Israeli protests continue over the judiciary overhaul despite Netanyahu’s pause

Protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul showed no sign of abating on Saturday, despite its suspension this week.

Protests against Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform didn’t stop on Saturday, despite it being suspended by the embattled premier. Tens of thousands marched to demand that it be scrapped completely.

Beset by the domestic upheaval and expressions of concern and disapproval in Washington, Netanyahu on Monday paused the overhaul to allow negotiations on a compromise between his religious-nationalist coalition and opposition parties.

“We don’t believe anything that comes from Bibi’s (Netanyahu’s) mouth. It’s a political stunt to stop the protest,” stated Emanuel Keller (30), at a protest at the Israeli presidential residence that hosted the talks.

One of the major points of contention is that the ruling coalition wants more power to appoint judges, including those at the Supreme Court.

Critics view the government’s drive to overthrow the court as a threat and a plot for a legal coup. It is seeking an interventionist, less elitist bench, according to its supporters.

Netanyahu, who is being tried on corruption charges that he denies and is currently on trial, said reforms were needed to balance all branches of government. His Likud party, along with his far-right political allies, have been calling for counter demonstrations from their political base.

Israeli media reported that more than 150,000 people were present at anti-government protests across Israel on Saturday. This was the largest demonstration in Tel Aviv’s commercial center.

“We are going to win, because this is something we cannot live with.” Limor Moyal said at the Tel Aviv demonstration that we cannot live in a democracy.

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