Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu summoned the Attorney General today, Sunday, to explain how the police are handling the escalating protests against the proposed judicial reforms, as a bill on this matter is set to be presented to the Knesset. Netanyahu hinted that "his patience is running out regarding the disturbances caused by renewed protests against the judicial reform plans."
The Knesset is scheduled to hold its first vote on Monday on a bill introduced by Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition that limits the powers of the Supreme Court, which critics believe will open the door to abuse of power. The opposition sees the bill as a step to undermine judicial independence, ultimately making the Supreme Court subject to the whims of politicians. Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption charges that he denies, stated that "the goal of the reforms is to restore the balance between the branches of government and curb the Supreme Court's overreach."
The vote on the legislation follows a cessation of talks between the government and the opposition aimed at reaching a compromise last month. Protests, which had waned earlier, have reignited, with demonstrators planning to head to Israel's main airport on Monday.
In televised remarks before a government meeting, Netanyahu said, "It is out of the question for the government to restrict the right to protest or support any violence against demonstrators." However, he emphasized that "such freedoms should not be used to violate the law in a way that harms the fundamental rights of millions of citizens, which happens almost daily," citing disturbances at Ben Gurion Airport, roadblocks, and harassment of elected officials.
Netanyahu noted that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara would need to provide a briefing at today's cabinet meeting. A knowledgeable source reported that Baharav-Miara expressed hope that the government would not ask her to advocate for a stricter crackdown, even if it contradicts the assessments of on-the-ground police leadership and prosecutors. She also stated, "I hope the government does not expect law enforcement to arrest 'numbers' of demonstrators or file charges against them."
Israeli media reported leaked quotes from some ministers demanding her resignation as the meeting commenced. President Isaac Herzog commented, "An agreement can be reached. However, no one is willing to sit and talk now without preconditions. This is a grave mistake with historical implications."
The "Big Shopping" centers threatened to "close all of its 28 centers on Tuesday if the bill is approved in its first reading in the Knesset," describing it as "a dangerous step toward blatant governmental corruption and another step toward dictatorship."
