150,000 Israelis partake in demonstration in favor of judicial reform

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Agencies
27 Apr 2023 23:03

The pro-reform protests coincide with the negotiations at the president's residence between coalition and opposition representatives to reach a broad consensus on the reform.

Settlers supporting the government's judicial overhaul gather in Al-Quds, April 27, 2023 (Israeli media)

After a streak of opposition demonstrations protesting Netanyahu's judicial reforms, tens of thousands of settlers gathered tonight in occupied Al-Quds to protest in favor of the judicial reform, Israeli media reported.

The objective of the demonstrations, which was dubbed the "March of the Million", was to show support for Netanyahu and his judicial overhaul initiative.

"I thank the hundreds of thousands of Israelis who came to Jerusalem tonight to support our government. Your passion and patriotism move me deeply," Occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tweeted.

One of the organizers told Channel 12 that he expects the number of protesters to exceed half a million: with settlers joining from all across "Israel".

Several Israeli officials spoke at the protests praising the judicial, emphasizing its importance, and expressing support for it.

"Make it clear that the people are demanding legal reform," urged Justice Minister Yariv Levin.

"We want a court for everyone, not one party. We deserve a court that does not give rights to terrorists, that does not allow memorial ceremonies with families of terrorists," the minister said during his speech.

"Without the reform, we will continue to try to destroy terrorists' homes and fight terrorism - and the High Court will say no. We will try to deprive terrorists of citizenship and the High Court will say no. The people of Israel yearn for a thorough overhaul of the legal system," said Chairman of the Constitution Committee Simcha Rotman.

The pro-reform protests coincide with the negotiations at the president's residence between coalition and opposition representatives to reach a broad consensus on the reform.

Yesterday, it was reported that the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) allowed its soldiers to participate in the upcoming Million-Strong Demonstration, in support of judicial amendments.

According to IOF rules and regulations, typically, soldiers are prohibited from participating in protests, political activity, public activity, and media activity.

However, it appears the IOF has made an exception in order to show IOF support for reforms revealing, both: the division across the occupation's various military and security establishments as well as uncloak the true identity of "Israel" as a large-scale military base wherein the members of the military and security establishments can tip scales in what is supposedly public policy.

Israeli media highlighted, that through this initiative, PM Netanyahu sought to demonstrate the popularity of his political choices within the security and military institutions of the occupation government.