Protests, violent crackdown, sacking calls; 'Israel' falls into chaos

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli Media
25 Mar 2023 21:32
6 Shares

Israeli occupation Security Minister Yoav Gallant demands an immediate halt to the "judicial overhaul" legislation, and Ben-Gvir calls for his sacking.

Israeli settlers protest against plans by occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to overhaul the "judicial system" in "Tel Aviv", March 25, 2023 (AP)

Huge demonstrations roamed the Israeli entity on Saturday in protest of the "judicial overhaul" planned by the Israeli occupation government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli Channel 13 correspondent highlighted that "Tel Aviv" will witness what he called the largest demonstration in 12 weeks, while Channel 12 said an estimated 195,000 Israelis gathered at the main protest at "Kaplan Street".

Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv ahead of what is expected to be the biggest demonstration so far since the protests against Netanyahu's plan to weaken the supreme court started 12 weeks ago pic.twitter.com/ud7LBrOiuq
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) March 25, 2023

In addition to the central demonstration on Kaplan Street, thousands also demonstrated in Haifa, Al-Quds, Beer El Sabe, and Asdod, as well as other occupied cities.

According to Israeli media, Israeli occupation police blocked numerous streets coinciding with the demonstrations, arrested several, and used wastewater to disperse demonstrators.

Now in Tel Aviv the mass anti government protest pic.twitter.com/am2MfBuHpy
— Oren Ziv (@OrenZiv_) March 25, 2023

'Legislative process must be stopped': Israeli Security Minister

In parallel, Israeli occupation Security Minister Yoav Gallant demanded in a televised speech an immediate halt to the "judicial overhaul" legislation in order to hold talks with its opponents, warning of its serious repercussions on the Israeli military and security establishments.

Gallant indicated that in recent weeks, he has been speaking to occupation military officials regarding the matter.

"I’m worried about what I’m hearing," he said, adding, "I have never encountered the intensity of anger and pain as I have seen now."

"Israel" is witnessing protests against the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially its plans related to judiciary reforms. This is not all; many have warned that a "civil war" was just around the corner for the Israeli occupation. pic.twitter.com/Hza4rScjFu
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) March 5, 2023

The Israeli Minister considered that "the rift in society penetrates into the army and this is an immediate and tangible danger to the security" of "Israel".

"We need a change in the judiciary, but major changes must be done with dialogue," he pointed out, stressing that "the legislative process must be stopped."

Earlier in the day, thousands demonstrated in front of Gallant's house in an attempt to pressure him to stop legislation that undermines the Israeli judiciary.

Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to sack Gallant

Following Gallant's speech, Israeli occupation Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to fire the Security Minister after his calls to halt the "judicial overhaul".

"I call on the prime minister to fire Gallant, who came in with the votes of the right, but surrendered to the pressure of those who threatened to refuse [to serve in the military], and tries to put a stop to the important reform," Ben-Gvir said in a statement.

In the same context, Israeli media reported that Likud MKs Yuli Edelstein and David Bitan backed Gallant’s call.

It was also reported that Israeli occupation Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter urged Netanyahu to halt the overhaul.

Netanyahu determined to advance 'judicial reforms'

On Thursday, Netanyahu said in a televised address that he was determined to advance the "judicial reforms" but claimed that he wanted to reach a solution acceptable to both supporters and critics of the proposal.

"I will do everything, everything, to bring calm and end division among the people," the Israeli occupation Prime Minister alleged, after months of protests, including objections from high-level officials.

Before Netanyahu's address, Israeli lawmakers voted 61 against 47 to approve an amendment to one of "Israel's" Basic Laws, specifying the conditions for the temporary removal of an Israeli premier.

The previous version of the law stated that an Israeli Prime Minister could be declared incapacitated but did not specify on what grounds or lay out the necessary steps.

The amended legislation requires a request by the premier or a cabinet vote backed by a three-quarter majority of ministers, and it is limited to mental or physical health reasons.

On Monday, Netanyahu's ruling coalition presented an amended version of a key element of the overhaul, ahead of votes planned before parliament goes into recess next week.

The so-called "reforms" would increase the power of politicians over the courts and are already moving through parliament.

Opponents have accused Netanyahu of trying to use the reforms to save himself from bribery, fraud, and breach of trust allegations that he is facing.