In Pics | Israelis stage massive protests outside UN against PM Netanyahu's judicial overhaul
Several groups attended demonstrations
The massive protests closely resembled the weekly protests occurring in Israel every Saturday for 38 consecutive weeks. Alongside Israeli residents of New York, numerous activists representing key groups in the movement were present, including the "Pink Front" of performers dressed in fluorescent pink and percussionists, military veterans self-identified as "brothers and sisters in arms," and expatriate Israelis organising under the name "UnXeptable," which has organised solidarity protests worldwide.
Overhaul will weaken Supreme Court
A June survey of US Jews by the Jewish Electorate Institute revealed that 61 per cent believed the judicial reforms would weaken Israeli democracy. So far, the Netanyahu government has succeeded in passing one component of this overhaul, a law diminishing the country's supreme court's oversight powers.
Pro-Netanyahu protests also took place
Times of Israel in one of its reports said that some conservative groups also appeared in New York to show their support for the Netanyahu administration. They chanted “64 mandates,” referring to the coalition’s majority in the 120-seat Knesset, and “their money will not help you.” Netanyahu and his supporters believe the protests against the government are fueled by overseas funding but have failed to provide any evidence.
Biden-Netanyahu tension
US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israelis don't support protests outside Israel: Poll
Meanwhile, a recent poll has suggested that most Israelis don’t support holding protests against their country on foreign soil. The poll conducted by Lazar Research Laboratories for the Maariv newspaper revealed at least 53 per cent of respondents expressed opposition to the protests in the US, while just 36 per cent of them supported them.
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