Israel is witnessing an unprecedented country-wide protest in its history over the ruling government’s proposed legislation to overhaul the justice system, which many see as an attempt to curtail the power of the judiciary.
According to Reuters, workers at Israel’s international Ben Gurion Airport say they are joining a growing national strike, with both departures and landings expected to be halted over the course of the day. Departing flights from the country’s main international airport were grounded, large mall chains and universities shut their doors.
The largest trade union in Israel is on strike to protest Netanyahu’s efforts to overhaul the judiciary. Over 800,000 workers are making their voices heard and there are reports that police are joining them.
Diplomats walked off the job at foreign missions, local governments were expected to close the preschools they run and cut other services, and the main doctors union announced its members would also strike. Reuters is reporting that the Israeli foreign ministry union is calling for embassy staff worldwide to strike.
Universities across the country also announced strikes from tomorrow morning over judicial overhaul.
Reuters is reporting that the country’s two major ports have halted operations due to the labour strike today, which was called to pressure the government.
Haifa port in the north and Ashdod port in the south have both stopped working, according to officials.
Judicial Reforms Spark Massive Protests in Israel
“The reform is necessary and we will do it, but not at the price of a civil war” Economy Minister Nir Barkat says he would back Netanyahu “in his decision to halt and reconsider,” according to a statement.
On Monday Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, called again for an immediate halt to the overhaul. “The entire nation is rapt with deep worry. Our security, economy, society – all are under threat,” he said. “Wake up now!” “We have seen very difficult scenes tonight,” he said, referring to strikes in most parts of the country.
The opposition leader Yair Lapid said the crisis was driving Israel to the brink.
Israeli markets rally on signs that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a delay to his judicial overhaul, following escalating protests.
Background of the Protests
Mass protests erupted across Israel on 7th January 2023, with demonstrators taking to the streets in Tel Aviv and other cities. The protests were in response to proposed judicial reforms that many see as a step toward authoritarianism in Israel. These reforms would limit the powers of the Israeli Supreme Court, undoing the 1992 Constitutional Reforms of Aharon Barak. The reforms would give the Israeli Legislature more control over the judiciary in terms of appointments and powers, and limit the scope of judicial review.
