Israeli protesters keep pressure on Netanyahu over judicial overhaul

Tens of thousands of flag-waving Israelis renewed their protests nationwide after sundown on Saturday, capping a week of turmoil in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed through a highly contested law that limited some Supreme Court power.
From a remote intersection among the lush hills of the northern Galilee to the avenues crisscrossing the financial hub of Tel Aviv, protesters beating drums and blaring horns took to the streets on a hot evening at the end of Sabbath.
The judicial overhaul pursued by Mr Netanyahu and his right-wing government, the first part of which passed on Monday, has sparked an unprecedented crisis and opened up a deep social divide.
The protests are in their 30th week.
The government’s plan has shaken the commitment to call-up duty of some army reservists while drawing stern warnings of economic fallout from rating agencies.
“We all don’t see any future if this will keep on going,” said Yariv Shavit, 53, an engineer in Israel’s high-tech sector who gathered with other protesters carrying a flower and a flag.
“We are not united. We’ve lost our unity,” he added.
Political watchdog groups have appealed to the Supreme Court to strike down the new law, which removes the high court’s authority to void what it deems “unreasonable” decisions by government and ministers.
The court said it would hear arguments in September, setting the scene for a constitutional showdown.
Mr Netanyahu has tried to minimise the impact of the new law, ratified after days of rowdy debate in parliament in a vote boycotted by the opposition.
Critics say he is threatening Israel’s democratic principles and independence of the courts, possibly with an eye to a corruption case he himself is facing.
Mr Netanyahu denies that and also denies the charges against him.
The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, adjourned for recess on Saturday, so it could be weeks before Mr Netanyahu’s future strategy becomes clear.
Together with ultra-orthodox and nationalist partners, he controls 64 of 120 seats.
But there appear to be signs of unease and even regret within Mr Netanyahu’s own Likud party.
One Likud lawmaker admitted during an interview to “falling asleep on watch,” and another wrote on Facebook that going forward, he would only support changes reached in “a broad national agreement”.
(Reuters/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Anti-Corruption
Money Laundering Case: Court adjourns arraignment of Warri refinery’s ex-MD
The anti-graft agency had on Wednesday arraigned Ahmed Dikko, ex-MD of the Port Harcourt Refining Company, for alleged money laundering.

Rights
Xenophobia: Air Peace evacuates more Nigerians from South Africa
Air Peace has completed the fourth phase of the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa, bringing another 284 Nigerians home.

Anti-Corruption
NFIU, EFCC collaboration earns Nigeria global anti-money laundering award
Nigeria has won the UNODC-World Bank-Egmont Group Stolen Asset Recovery initiative award for an outstanding financial crime investigation.

Heading 3
FG, governors, responders to finalise plan on 112 emergency call initiative
The federal government is set to implement 112 as Nigeria’s single national emergency number, with plans to engage governors and emergency responders nationwide.

Politics
Edo govt didn’t invite FRSC to participate in LG election: Official
The Federal Road Safety Corps says it will not participate in Saturday’s local government election in Edo because it was not invited.

States
FG executed 70 road projects in Kano in two years: Official
The Federal Ministry of Works says it has executed over 70 road projects in Kano in the last two years.





