Protests Erupt in Israel Over Controversial Changes to Justice System

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Summary:

  • Protests rock Israel over changes to the justice system, creating deep divisions in the nation.
  • Controversial bill equates religious study with National Military Service, sparking fears about the country's direction.
  • Protesters and the Bar Association challenge the reforms in court, uncertain of the consequences.
  • Israeli military faces internal divisions as reservists vow to protest by not showing up for duty.

Israelis wake up to a deeply divided nation, with protests shaking the country over controversial changes to its justice system, making it one of the most divisive moments in Israel's 75-year history.


The front page of Israel's major Hebrew newspapers today is all black, with a stark declaration: a dark day for Israeli democracy. Thousands of protesters are expressing their concerns about the future of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the rights of minorities in the LGBTQ community, women's rights, and the secular nature of Israel.

One of Netanyahu's religious allies has proposed a bill equating religious study, such as Torah study, with National Military Service, raising further apprehensions about the direction the country might take. The reforms have been defended by Netanyahu as necessary to limit the power of unelected judges, who, according to him, have long hindered the will of Israel's more conservative and religious majority.

Despite Netanyahu's call for unity, protests persist, with large demonstrations taking place overnight. Major highways have been blocked, and clashes with the police have led to the use of water cannons to disperse crowds. Doctors are on strike, providing only emergency medical treatment. The Bar Association has also taken action, petitioning the Supreme Court to strike down the bill, which they believe would weaken the judiciary. The consequences of such an action remain uncertain, leaving both constitutional scholars and protesters unsure of what lies ahead.

Even the

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, traditionally seen as above politics, is facing divisions. Thousands of reservists have pledged to stop showing up for duty as a form of protest against the legislation. This could significantly impact the air force, which conducts nightly missions over Syria, Gaza, and other areas, with a substantial number of reservists serving as pilots, including some of the most experienced ones. The chief of the

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acknowledges the strain this political turmoil has put on the institution and strives to keep it together during this challenging period.


As the nation grapples with uncertainty and unrest, the future trajectory of Israel remains in question, leaving many worried about the potential ramifications of the justice system changes.

Location: London, UK

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