Israeli protesters closed highways today, Tuesday, and briefly gathered at the stock exchange during a "Day of Disruptions," as legislators prepare to approve one of the controversial bills introduced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government regarding amendments to the judicial system before the parliament begins its summer recess.
Thousands marched through the streets across the country, many waving Israeli flags, and police reported that at least six highways were blocked. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated, "The government is moving forward with the amendments in measured steps while continuing to call for broad consensus," referring to the protesters as a "noisy minority inflated by the media."
The campaign to amend the judicial system has ignited a constitutional crisis lasting six months and has raised concerns in the United States about Israel's far-right coalition government. Opponents of the campaign argue that it limits the independence of the Supreme Court, while Netanyahu claims its goal is to achieve a balance of powers.
Netanyahu defended the proposed amendments, pledging to maintain "Israel as a Jewish national and democratic state, free and liberal, enjoying the sacred rule of the majority alongside civil rights." In a speech in Jerusalem, he asserted that his government is acting responsibly and thoughtfully, making every effort to reach a broad agreement to restore the balance between the judicial, legislative, and executive branches.
Retired Jonathan Iran Kali, 62, who worked in technology, stated at a protest outside the Habima Theatre in Tel Aviv, "We are here to tell the Israeli government: the more pressure increases, the more we will resist."
A group opposing the judicial amendments, which claims its members are reserve soldiers, attempted to block the entrance to the Israeli Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. Some reserve soldiers threatened not to comply with call-up orders as part of the protest.
Defense Minister Yoav Galant called for unity, stating in a speech during a memorial ceremony after Netanyahu pledged yesterday to suppress the dissent, "We cannot live in this land without the Israeli army." Israeli National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi reported that the Prime Minister informed U.S. President Joe Biden yesterday that he would seek to reach a broad agreement on amending how judges are selected during the Knesset's recess.
