Hundreds of thousands during 35th week of protests in "Israel"

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
3 Sep 2023 09:22

Protesters criticize the coalition government's comments on a wave of refusal to serve among reservists as they hold the 35th mass protest of the year.

Protesters wave the occupation flag during a demonstration against the Israeli government's judicial overhaul plan in "Tel Aviv", on August 26, 2023. (AFP)

Tens of thousands of Israeli settlers demonstrated across occupied territories for the 35th consecutive week in protest of their right-wing government's campaign to implement judicial reforms.

"Tel Aviv" led the protests on Saturday, with approximately 100,000 settlers rallying in a location that the city's municipality recently designated as Democracy Square, situated along "Kaplan Street". The naming draws inspiration from the weekly protests organized by the Israeli opposition.

The protest organizers, as reported by Israeli media, said that "the statements made by the alliance (the current government coalition) against the Israeli army, the Shin Bet, the Mossad, and the security agencies in recent weeks demonstrate the magnitude of the danger to Israel," adding that protests are the only way to stop the destruction of Israeli society and institutions.

An Israeli analyst commented on the situation saying, "The efficiency of the Israeli army is in doubt for waging a war" due to hundreds of soldiers refusing to join military service in protest of the judicial amendments and the new conscription law, which is expected to grant extensive exemptions to Haredim or Ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The judicial overhaul campaign led by Netanyahu's government, which started gaining momentum in January last year, has created a profound schism within the occupied territory and triggered one of the most significant protest movements in its history.

These protests have extended widely into the security and military establishment, especially among reservists where a significant number of them have declared their refusal to serve in the occupation army. In "Israel", settlers are required to serve a mandatory term in the occupation army after which they have the freedom to commit themselves to its reserve force, where they would be called into service at any given time. The Israeli military and its security services are heavily dependent on its reserve force to carry out its missions, especially in times of turmoil.

A considerable amount of reservists, including airforce reservists, declared their intention to refuse service upon its request. Experts believe that this wave has put the occupation army in a precarious and dangerous position, disrupting its functions and dealing "deep damage to its efficiency."

The protests against the judicial amendments coincide with violent protests organized by Eritrean asylum seekers, which witnessed severe clashes with the Israeli police.

More than 170 were injured as a result of the clashes, including around 50 members of the occupation police. Police officers fired with live ammunition at protesters as the mob smashed shop's facades and car windows as they stormed the streets of "Tel Aviv".

This demonstration was organized by Eritrean nationals who opposed their home government and was triggered by a festival organized by the Eritrean government's embassy in "Yad Harutzim" leading to brawls between pro and anti-government Eritreans.