Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the Israeli parliament or the Knesset, on Monday (February 20) for a second straight week as lawmakers prepared to hold the first vote over the controversial plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Over the weekend, mass demonstrations across the country against the proposed judicial overhaul entered their sixth week. In a statement, the Israeli PM accused the leaders of these protests of ‘trampling democracy’ and vowed that his government will move forward to vote on the proposed reforms.&nbsp; 
 
On Monday, the first bill which seeks to amend the Basic Law would cement government control over judicial appointments and revoke the court’s ability to review Basic Laws, reported the Times of Israel. Since Israel does not have a written constitution and is governed by these Basic Laws, the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government remains weak.&nbsp;The ruling government typically which holds a majority in the parliament, in this case, Netanyahu's party has the most power.

What we know so far 
 
If passed, the controversial proposed judicial reforms would give the Israeli government greater control over the country’s judiciary, including the appointment of judges as well as&nbsp;weaken the Supreme Court. These proposed changes have also led to weeks of protest across the country. Several polls over the past weeks have shown that Israeli citizens including Netanyahu supporters either want the decision on the reforms to slow down or be shelved completely.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israel-protests-outside-parliament-over-proposed-reforms-president-warns-of-constitutional-collapse-561639">Israel: Protests outside parliament over proposed reforms; president warns of ‘constitutional collapse'</a>

Critics of the judicial reforms have warned that the plans risk undermining the democratic checks and balances as it weakens the judiciary while granting additional powers to the executive. They also reportedly fear that the overhaul will allow Netanyahu to dodge the corruption charges against him, who has since denied any wrongdoing and called himself a victim of a biased judicial system.&nbsp; 
 
Last week in a rare warning, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that the country was on the brink of “constitutional and social collapse” and urged all sides to come together. On the other hand, on Sunday, the Israeli PM dismissed suggestions that the country’s democracy was under threat and said, “Israel was and will remain a strong and vibrant democracy.”&nbsp;

Israeli PM Netanyahu’s remarks

“They do not accept the outcome of the election, they do not accept the majority’s decision, they do not condemn calls to kill the prime minister and his family, they block roads and call for civil disobedience, they call without shame for a civil war and for blood in the streets, they threaten Knesset members aggressively,” said Netanyahu, ahead of his Likud Party’s weekly meeting, on Monday, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-thousands-in-israel-protest-against-new-governments-proposed-legal-reforms-550442">Explained: Thousands protest in Israel against new government’s proposed legal reforms</a>

He added, “The people exercised their right to vote in the elections and the people’s representatives will exercise their right to vote here in Israel’s Knesset. It’s called democracy. Today there will be a vote, and tomorrow I hope the path will be opened to dialogue.” &nbsp;

According to media reports, the Israeli PM’s statement was also made after a member of his party was prevented from taking her special-needs daughter to school. This comes as protesters took to the streets ahead of the first vote on the judicial overhaul and&nbsp;blocked&nbsp;major streets and even prevented lawmakers from leaving their homes.&nbsp;

“You talk above our heads in high terms of values, the rights of minorities and individuals, while they are trampling to dust the rights of a girl with special needs and the rights of an elected representative,” said Netanyahu, referring to the incident, as per the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-take-to-streets-in-jerusalem-over-judicial-reform-bills-564078">Thousands take to streets in Jerusalem over judicial reform bills</a>

He also accused the demonstrators of inciting violence and ignoring the will of the people who voted him and his government into power&nbsp;and said, “Demonstrators who talk about democracy are themselves bringing about the end of democracy when they deny elected delegates the fundamental right in a democracy - to vote”.&nbsp;

Subsequently, Netanyahu also went on to criticise the attorney general who has reportedly barred him from speaking about the reforms due to his conflict of interest agreement, as he is facing charges of corruption. “This is what the new Israeli democracy looks like: Do not respect the majority, try to block votes, do not allow speech. So I say, enough with this theatre of the absurd.”&nbsp;

Protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv

Thousands of people poured into Jerusalem&nbsp;from across the country on Monday to join the demonstrations outside the parliament. So far, the police have arrested eight people for disorderly conduct and also worked to reroute traffic after protesters blocked the roads. “We are fighting for our children’s future, for our country’s future. We don’t intend to give up,” said opposition leader and former PM Yair Lapid addressing a meeting of his party in the Knesset while protests continued outside.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-protests-enter-sixth-week-protesters-claim-israels-democracy-at-stake-563671">Israel: Protests enter sixth week, protesters claim Israel's democracy at stake</a>

Furthermore, while the Israeli PM assures that the country will remain a “vibrant democracy” the protesters say otherwise. “We’re here to demonstrate for the democracy. Without democracy there’s no state of Israel. And we’re going to fight till the end,” said Marcos Fainstein, a protester in Tel Aviv, to the Associated Press.&nbsp;Earlier today, demonstrators also&nbsp;briefly halted traffic on Tel Aviv’s main highway while hundreds&nbsp;across the city waved&nbsp;Israeli flags.&nbsp; 
 
Demonstrators block lawmakers' houses

According to local media reports, on Monday morning protestors gathered outside the homes of lawmakers from Netanyahu’s coalition, in a bid to stop them from reaching the Knesset and voting. This included Likud MK (Member of Knesset) Tally Gotliv from leaving her house with her daughter who is autistic to school. However, citing a video from the lawmaker’s building, Jerusalem Post claims that she was asked by the protesters to find someone else to do it because she isn’t leaving the house.&nbsp;

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This drew condemnation from the leader of the opposition who called it a “siege” at the Gotliv’s home and said “a mother of a girl with special needs, and the fact that they didn't allow her to take her daughter to school…This isn’t our way. This is not the way of the protest. I send Tally strength and a hug for her daughter,” reported the Jerusalem Post. At least four lawmakers are said to have face this hindrance including Education Minister Yoav Kisch, Legislation Committee Chairman MK Simcha Rothman, and Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter.

What happened in the Knesset on Monday?

The vote, on Monday&nbsp;was just the first of three readings required for parliamentary approval and the process is expected to take months. Notably, the Netanyahu government holds 64 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. The Legislation Committee Chairman Rothman presented the proposal to the Knesset amid the ongoing stormy debate inside the parliament while protests raged outside.&nbsp;

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&nbsp; 
According to a report by Times of Israel, as the plenum on Monday began several MKs from the opposition raised Israeli flags in protest. Subsequently, parliamentary ushers confiscated the flags and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana ordered the opposition lawmakers’ removal. Reportedly, a number of observers in the viewer’s gallery also began banging loudly on the glass dividers until removed. Notably, prior to entering the parliament, several MKs left the building after the security said that they must have their bags searched before entering which also prompted some objections.&nbsp; 
 
This was followed by a&nbsp;nearly seven-hour debate after which the bill passed with a vote of&nbsp;63-47. Subsequently, opposition&nbsp;lawmakers chanted “shame!” after the ruling coalition government&nbsp;passed the&nbsp;bill through the initial reading at the&nbsp;Knesset, reported Times of Israel. The bills now would now need&nbsp;to return to the committee for revisions after which they will go through two more readings in the parliament before becoming law.&nbsp;

Notable reactions from the current and former Israeli PMs&nbsp;

After the vote, incumbent PM&nbsp;Netanyahu took to Twitter and wrote, "A great night and a great day". 
&nbsp;

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לילה גדול ויום גדול 
🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1627804582934978560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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On the other hand, former PM Lapid who also took to the microblogging platform&nbsp;said, "Members of the coalition — history will judge you for tonight. For the damage to democracy, for the damage to the economy, for the damage to security, for you tearing apart the nation of Israel and that you just don’t care.”

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חברי הקואליציה - ההיסטוריה תשפוט אתכם על הלילה הזה. על הפגיעה בדמוקרטיה, על הפגיעה בכלכלה, על הפגיעה בבטחון, על זה שאתם קורעים לגזרים את עם ישראל ופשוט לא אכפת לכם.
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) <a href="https://twitter.com/yairlapid/status/1627799988620099584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the Israeli parliament or the Knesset, on Monday (February 20) for a second straight week as lawmakers prepared to hold the first vote over the controversial plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside the Israeli parliament or the Knesset, on Monday (February 20) for a second straight week as lawmakers prepared to hold the first vote over the controversial plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Over the weekend, mass demonstrations across the country against the proposed judicial overhaul entered their sixth week. In a statement, the Israeli PM accused the leaders of these protests of ‘trampling democracy’ and vowed that his government will move forward to vote on the proposed reforms. On Monday, the first bill which seeks to amend the Basic Law would cement government control over judicial appointments and revoke the court’s ability to review Basic Laws, reported the Times of Israel. Since Israel does not have a written constitution and is governed by these Basic Laws, the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government remains weak. The ruling government typically which holds a majority in the parliament, in this case, Netanyahu's party has the most power. What we know so far If passed, the controversial proposed judicial reforms would give the Israeli government greater control over the country’s judiciary, including the appointment of judges as well as weaken the Supreme Court. These proposed changes have also led to weeks of protest across the country. Several polls over the past weeks have shown that Israeli citizens including Netanyahu supporters either want the decision on the reforms to slow down or be shelved completely. ALSO READ | Israel: Protests outside parliament over proposed reforms; president warns of ‘constitutional collapse' Critics of the judicial reforms have warned that the plans risk undermining the democratic checks and balances as it weakens the judiciary while granting additional powers to the executive. They also reportedly fear that the overhaul will allow Netanyahu to dodge the corruption charges against him, who has since denied any wrongdoing and called himself a victim of a biased judicial system. Last week in a rare warning, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that the country was on the brink of “constitutional and social collapse” and urged all sides to come together. On the other hand, on Sunday, the Israeli PM dismissed suggestions that the country’s democracy was under threat and said, “Israel was and will remain a strong and vibrant democracy.” Israeli PM Netanyahu’s remarks “They do not accept the outcome of the election, they do not accept the majority’s decision, they do not condemn calls to kill the prime minister and his family, they block roads and call for civil disobedience, they call without shame for a civil war and for blood in the streets, they threaten Knesset members aggressively,” said Netanyahu, ahead of his Likud Party’s weekly meeting, on Monday, as per local media reports. ALSO READ | Explained: Thousands protest in Israel against new government’s proposed legal reforms He added, “The people exercised their right to vote in the elections and the people’s representatives will exercise their right to vote here in Israel’s Knesset. It’s called democracy. Today there will be a vote, and tomorrow I hope the path will be opened to dialogue.” According to media reports, the Israeli PM’s statement was also made after a member of his party was prevented from taking her special-needs daughter to school. This comes as protesters took to the streets ahead of the first vote on the judicial overhaul and blocked major streets and even prevented lawmakers from leaving their homes. “You talk above our heads in high terms of values, the rights of minorities and individuals, while they are trampling to dust the rights of a girl with special needs and the rights of an elected representative,” said Netanyahu, referring to the incident, as per the Jerusalem Post. ALSO WATCH | Thousands take to streets in Jerusalem over judicial reform bills He also accused the demonstrators of inciting violence and ignoring the will of the people who voted him and his government into power and said, “Demonstrators who talk about democracy are themselves bringing about the end of democracy when they deny elected delegates the fundamental right in a democracy - to vote”. Subsequently, Netanyahu also went on to criticise the attorney general who has reportedly barred him from speaking about the reforms due to his conflict of interest agreement, as he is facing charges of corruption. “This is what the new Israeli democracy looks like: Do not respect the majority, try to block votes, do not allow speech. So I say, enough with this theatre of the absurd.” Protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Thousands of people poured into Jerusalem from across the country on Monday to join the demonstrations outside the parliament. So far, the police have arrested eight people for disorderly conduct and also worked to reroute traffic after protesters blocked the roads. “We are fighting for our children’s future, for our country’s future. We don’t intend to give up,” said opposition leader and former PM Yair Lapid addressing a meeting of his party in the Knesset while protests continued outside. ALSO WATCH | Israel: Protests enter sixth week, protesters claim Israel's democracy at stake Furthermore, while the Israeli PM assures that the country will remain a “vibrant democracy” the protesters say otherwise. “We’re here to demonstrate for the democracy. Without democracy there’s no state of Israel. And we’re going to fight till the end,” said Marcos Fainstein, a protester in Tel Aviv, to the Associated Press. Earlier today, demonstrators also briefly halted traffic on Tel Aviv’s main highway while hundreds across the city waved Israeli flags. Demonstrators block lawmakers' houses According to local media reports, on Monday morning protestors gathered outside the homes of lawmakers from Netanyahu’s coalition, in a bid to stop them from reaching the Knesset and voting. This included Likud MK (Member of Knesset) Tally Gotliv from leaving her house with her daughter who is autistic to school. However, citing a video from the lawmaker’s building, Jerusalem Post claims that she was asked by the protesters to find someone else to do it because she isn’t leaving the house. ALSO READ | Benjamin Netanyahu blames Iran for attacking an Israeli-linked tanker This drew condemnation from the leader of the opposition who called it a “siege” at the Gotliv’s home and said “a mother of a girl with special needs, and the fact that they didn't allow her to take her daughter to school…This isn’t our way. This is not the way of the protest. I send Tally strength and a hug for her daughter,” reported the Jerusalem Post. At least four lawmakers are said to have face this hindrance including Education Minister Yoav Kisch, Legislation Committee Chairman MK Simcha Rothman, and Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter. What happened in the Knesset on Monday? The vote, on Monday was just the first of three readings required for parliamentary approval and the process is expected to take months. Notably, the Netanyahu government holds 64 of the Knesset’s 120 seats. The Legislation Committee Chairman Rothman presented the proposal to the Knesset amid the ongoing stormy debate inside the parliament while protests raged outside. ALSO READ | Syria: At least 15 killed as Israeli missile strikes building in Damascus According to a report by Times of Israel, as the plenum on Monday began several MKs from the opposition raised Israeli flags in protest. Subsequently, parliamentary ushers confiscated the flags and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana ordered the opposition lawmakers’ removal. Reportedly, a number of observers in the viewer’s gallery also began banging loudly on the glass dividers until removed. Notably, prior to entering the parliament, several MKs left the building after the security said that they must have their bags searched before entering which also prompted some objections. This was followed by a nearly seven-hour debate after which the bill passed with a vote of 63-47. Subsequently, opposition lawmakers chanted “shame!” after the ruling coalition government passed the bill through the initial reading at the Knesset, reported Times of Israel. The bills now would now need to return to the committee for revisions after which they will go through two more readings in the parliament before becoming law. Notable reactions from the current and former Israeli PMs After the vote, incumbent PM Netanyahu took to Twitter and wrote, "A great night and a great day". לילה גדול ויום גדול 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱 — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 20, 2023 × On the other hand, former PM Lapid who also took to the microblogging platform said, "Members of the coalition — history will judge you for tonight. For the damage to democracy, for the damage to the economy, for the damage to security, for you tearing apart the nation of Israel and that you just don’t care.” חברי הקואליציה - ההיסטוריה תשפוט אתכם על הלילה הזה. על הפגיעה בדמוקרטיה, על הפגיעה בכלכלה, על הפגיעה בבטחון, על זה שאתם קורעים לגזרים את עם ישראל ופשוט לא אכפת לכם. — יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) February 20, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Israel: Netanyahu govt's controversial legal plan passes first reading amid protests

Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led&nbsp;by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes days&nbsp;after his administration’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled his plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system, which opponents and critics say threaten democracy and freedom.&nbsp;

What is the legal reform plan about?

On Wednesday, the country’s justice minister announced the new government’s long-promised overhaul of the judicial system which is also supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Additionally, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, reported Associated Press.&nbsp;

The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it is the feature of the plan which has garnered controversy and it is the Override Clause which would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-government-lays-out-sweeping-court-reform-plan-setting-up-showdown-with-the-judiciary-549524">Israel government lays out sweeping court reform plan, setting up showdown with the judiciary</a>

Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government. Currently, the Judicial Appointments Committee includes lawmakers, from both the government and the opposition, and judges and representatives from the Israel Bar Association.

Furthermore, given that Israel does not have a written constitution, the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government remain&nbsp;weak since the ruling government typically holds a majority in the Parliament.&nbsp;

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This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Netanyahu government

The Netanyahu government is said to be the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel’s over seven-decade history. It recently came under fire after its National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque which drew widespread condemnation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-israeli-minister-ben-gvirs-visit-to-al-aqsa-mosque-sparked-outrage-549442">Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage?</a>

Additionally, prior to the government’s swearing-in, the coalition agreements called for legislation that would allow service providers to refuse service on the grounds of religious beliefs which many say would be legalising discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other targeted sections in Israel.&nbsp;

This comes after the incumbent PM Netanyahu won the elections in November and took office last month with his right-wing allies who now hold key ministerial positions in the Israeli government.&nbsp;

What happened at the protests?

The protest was reportedly led by some lawmakers from Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where the local media report citing organisers said that over 10,000 protesters gathered for the rally in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square. According to media reports, protesters waved Israel and LGBTQ+ pride flags and some were seen with a Palestinian flag with placards that read, “The settler government is against me” and “Democracy in danger” and even a banner that read “crime minister”.&nbsp;

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The demonstrators affiliated with&nbsp;Standing Together group and other organisations marched toward the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and held a rally there where leaders gave speeches while others carried out a torchlight march through the city streets, reported the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, others also called for peace and co-existence between Jews and Arab residents of the country.&nbsp;

Several prominent activist groups in the country even warned the government that these reforms would not be passed without unprecedented civil resistance. “This evening, friends, we have built a new democratic camp,” said the CEOs of an NGO, Breaking the Silence, Yael Lotan and Avner Gvaryahu, addressing the protestors on Saturday.&nbsp;

They added, “One that includes Jews and Arabs, men and women, straight people and LGBTQ people, secular and religious, united against one evil government and for the sake of a better future in this place,” reported the local media.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-israeli-government-approve-steps-to-penalise-palestinians-550249">New Israeli government approve steps to penalise Palestinians</a>

“Extremists and dangerous actors in the newly established government are already planning how to hurt all of us,” said an activist from NGO Standing Together, reported by the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp; 
 
They added, “How to deepen racial discrimination against Arab citizens, how to cut social budgets, how to discriminate based on gender. We won’t sit home and hold hands and give in to despair and frustration. Where there is struggle, there is also hope. And we will go out and struggle for our home.”

Meanwhile, one of the activist groups called the Black Flag movement which reportedly organised Saturday’s protests called this reform plan a “coup d’état” which will encounter a nation of Israel which is “determined to guard our democracy and will fail.” The group has also vowed to continue the protests next Saturday and said, “Today we are starting the most important journey: A preventative strike against dictatorship.” 
&nbsp;

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מפגינים רבים החלו להאסף ברחבת הבימה בתל אביב בהפגנה מגד הרפורמה להחלשת מערכת המשפט וצעדי הממשלה. כיאה לאופוזיציה המפוצלת מהכיכר יצאו שתי צעדות. אחת בהובלת ״עומדים ביחד״ לכיוון המוזיאון ושניה בהובלת ארגונים ואנשים אחרים שתצא בהמשך. בכיכר נמצאים כבר כמה אלפים. עדכונים יהיו כאן &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/h05ppvKw6L">pic.twitter.com/h05ppvKw6L</a>
— Bar Peleg (@bar_peleg) <a href="https://twitter.com/bar_peleg/status/1611777868534611973?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The protests on January 7&nbsp;were followed by a rally held by activists from the Darkenu civil society movement, outside Levin’s house on Friday. The group reportedly claims that the High Court served as a “flak jacket” to protect Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers from being brought to the International Criminal Court.&nbsp;

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“The Override Clause and Levin’s moves to weaken the justice system would hurt IDF soldiers, and hurting our soldiers is a red line,” said the group’s CEO and former member of Knesset Rachel Azaria, reported the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp;

The protests on Saturday witnessed the attendance of a number of MKs including Merav Michaeli and Gilad Kariv from the opposition Labor party, Aymen Odeh, chair of the predominantly Arab Hadash-Ta’al alliance, and former vice PM Tzipi Livni who expressed their support for the protesters.&nbsp;

“What energies in the square! Together with thousands of amazing demonstrators we went out to demonstrate and shout in a clear voice - our country cannot be destroyed!” said the Labour party chairperson, Michaeli on Twitter. She added, “We will continue to fight for our democracy.”&nbsp;

Israeli former supreme court president’s grim warning

Former Supreme Court president, Aharon Barak, who is also Israel’s most revered jurist, in multiple TV interviews on Saturday urged the justice minister to review these sweeping reforms. According to a report by Times of Israel, in a grim warning, he said that the proposed plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system will give all the power to the PM, leave citizens with no defence against violation of any and all of their rights, and mark the beginning of the end of the modern state of Israel as we know it.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unsc-stresses-on-al-aqsa-status-quo-israel-palestine-envoy-trade-barbs-at-un-meet-549892">UNSC stresses on Al-Aqsa status quo; Israel, Palestine envoy trade barbs at UN meet</a>

“If putting me to death would put an end to this drastic shake-up…I’d be prepared to go before a firing squad,” he said in the context of his stance and verdicts as a justice from between 1978 and 2006 and the SC president for 11 years. Speaking about his time as a justice the 86-year-old said that he tried not to be overly activist nor overly conservative while delivering verdicts and took into account Israel’s history, Zionism and the country’s security needs and that he was sorry to be depicted as “the enemy of the people”, reported the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

According to the report, Barak also said that he feels like he is obligated to warn the public about the “grave danger” their rights are in and it would not matter if they are, Jew, Arab, ultra-Orthodox, or not ultra-Orthodox. Israeli democracy will be left with one branch of governance which would be the PM.&nbsp;

He also went on to explain that nobody will be protected from the political majority since the Knesset is powerless against the majority coalition, and Israel has no constitution, Bill of Rights, or even a second House, reported the Times of Israel. It will also affect Israel on an international level, Barak said, noting that the High Court has acted as a legal “Iron Dome” ensuring Israel’s democratic functioning, including in its treatment of the Palestinians.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-new-proposals-give-sweeping-power-to-the-israeli-government-549574">Israel's new proposals give sweeping power to the Israeli government</a>

If the High Court is affected by Levin's plans to weaken it, “our chief of staff and government ministers will immediately be arrested when they travel overseas…The leaders of the country will be put on trial in the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” as per Times of Israel.&nbsp;

What has Levin said about the plans?

Subsequently, even the justice minister was also interviewed on Saturday, where he said that while he respects the former top judge, he “does not understand the essence of democracy.” Levin also dismissed the idea of establishing a committee with Barak to compromise on his proposal and said that he would discuss the plan with key members of the parliament and hope that the final legislation is “as close as possible” to the proposed one, said the media report.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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He also, in turn, criticised Barak and said he “fundamentally contradicted democracy…all power rests with the judges, and they decide what’s proportionate and reasonable. That’s not democratic.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Thousands of Israeli people took to the streets in Tel Aviv, late Saturday, in protest against the new government’s policies which is now led by the country’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This comes days after his administration’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin unveiled his plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system, which opponents and critics say threaten democracy and freedom. What is the legal reform plan about? On Wednesday, the country’s justice minister announced the new government’s long-promised overhaul of the judicial system which is also supposedly directed toward weakening the Israeli Supreme court. Additionally, critics have said that it will affect the checks and balances as well as undermine democratic institutions by giving absolute power to the ruling party coalition, reported Associated Press. The legal reforms would also limit the power and authority of the High Court of Justice to block legislation or government decisions which would otherwise be deemed discriminatory or undemocratic. However, it is the feature of the plan which has garnered controversy and it is the Override Clause which would simply allow a majority of the Members of Knesset (MK) to overrule decisions by the High Court. ALSO READ | Israel government lays out sweeping court reform plan, setting up showdown with the judiciary Additionally, the government will also gain control over the selection process of judges and reportedly eliminate ministry legal advisers who are appointed by and report to the attorney general into political appointments controlled entirely by the government. Currently, the Judicial Appointments Committee includes lawmakers, from both the government and the opposition, and judges and representatives from the Israel Bar Association. Furthermore, given that Israel does not have a written constitution, the separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches of government remain weak since the ruling government typically holds a majority in the Parliament. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: Israel's most right-wing coalition: Netanyahu to form new government This makes the Supreme Court the only institution to limit the government’s power and by challenging legislation passed by a parliamentary majority, the proposed reform would remove this roadblock for the Netanyahu government. Notably, the court cannot arbitrarily dismiss legislation passed by the parliament unless they hinder one of the Basic Laws of Israel. Netanyahu government The Netanyahu government is said to be the most right-wing and religiously conservative in Israel’s over seven-decade history. It recently came under fire after its National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the disputed holy site in Jerusalem, Al-Aqsa mosque which drew widespread condemnation. ALSO READ | Explained: Why has Israeli minister Ben-Gvir’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque sparked outrage? Additionally, prior to the government’s swearing-in, the coalition agreements called for legislation that would allow service providers to refuse service on the grounds of religious beliefs which many say would be legalising discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community and other targeted sections in Israel. This comes after the incumbent PM Netanyahu won the elections in November and took office last month with his right-wing allies who now hold key ministerial positions in the Israeli government. What happened at the protests? The protest was reportedly led by some lawmakers from Israeli parliament, the Knesset, where the local media report citing organisers said that over 10,000 protesters gathered for the rally in Tel Aviv’s Habima Square. According to media reports, protesters waved Israel and LGBTQ+ pride flags and some were seen with a Palestinian flag with placards that read, “The settler government is against me” and “Democracy in danger” and even a banner that read “crime minister”. ALSO WATCH | Israel's most right-wing coalition and its many challenges The demonstrators affiliated with Standing Together group and other organisations marched toward the Tel Aviv Museum of Art and held a rally there where leaders gave speeches while others carried out a torchlight march through the city streets, reported the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, others also called for peace and co-existence between Jews and Arab residents of the country. Several prominent activist groups in the country even warned the government that these reforms would not be passed without unprecedented civil resistance. “This evening, friends, we have built a new democratic camp,” said the CEOs of an NGO, Breaking the Silence, Yael Lotan and Avner Gvaryahu, addressing the protestors on Saturday. They added, “One that includes Jews and Arabs, men and women, straight people and LGBTQ people, secular and religious, united against one evil government and for the sake of a better future in this place,” reported the local media. ALSO WATCH | New Israeli government approve steps to penalise Palestinians “Extremists and dangerous actors in the newly established government are already planning how to hurt all of us,” said an activist from NGO Standing Together, reported by the Jerusalem Post. They added, “How to deepen racial discrimination against Arab citizens, how to cut social budgets, how to discriminate based on gender. We won’t sit home and hold hands and give in to despair and frustration. Where there is struggle, there is also hope. And we will go out and struggle for our home.” Meanwhile, one of the activist groups called the Black Flag movement which reportedly organised Saturday’s protests called this reform plan a “coup d’état” which will encounter a nation of Israel which is “determined to guard our democracy and will fail.” The group has also vowed to continue the protests next Saturday and said, “Today we are starting the most important journey: A preventative strike against dictatorship.” מפגינים רבים החלו להאסף ברחבת הבימה בתל אביב בהפגנה מגד הרפורמה להחלשת מערכת המשפט וצעדי הממשלה. כיאה לאופוזיציה המפוצלת מהכיכר יצאו שתי צעדות. אחת בהובלת ״עומדים ביחד״ לכיוון המוזיאון ושניה בהובלת ארגונים ואנשים אחרים שתצא בהמשך. בכיכר נמצאים כבר כמה אלפים. עדכונים יהיו כאן >> pic.twitter.com/h05ppvKw6L — Bar Peleg (@bar_peleg) January 7, 2023 × The protests on January 7 were followed by a rally held by activists from the Darkenu civil society movement, outside Levin’s house on Friday. The group reportedly claims that the High Court served as a “flak jacket” to protect Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers from being brought to the International Criminal Court. ALSO READ | Israel slams latest UN vote on Palestine as ‘moral decay’ of the multilateral world body “The Override Clause and Levin’s moves to weaken the justice system would hurt IDF soldiers, and hurting our soldiers is a red line,” said the group’s CEO and former member of Knesset Rachel Azaria, reported the Jerusalem Post. The protests on Saturday witnessed the attendance of a number of MKs including Merav Michaeli and Gilad Kariv from the opposition Labor party, Aymen Odeh, chair of the predominantly Arab Hadash-Ta’al alliance, and former vice PM Tzipi Livni who expressed their support for the protesters. “What energies in the square! Together with thousands of amazing demonstrators we went out to demonstrate and shout in a clear voice - our country cannot be destroyed!” said the Labour party chairperson, Michaeli on Twitter. She added, “We will continue to fight for our democracy.” Israeli former supreme court president’s grim warning Former Supreme Court president, Aharon Barak, who is also Israel’s most revered jurist, in multiple TV interviews on Saturday urged the justice minister to review these sweeping reforms. According to a report by Times of Israel, in a grim warning, he said that the proposed plans to overhaul the country’s judicial system will give all the power to the PM, leave citizens with no defence against violation of any and all of their rights, and mark the beginning of the end of the modern state of Israel as we know it. ALSO WATCH | UNSC stresses on Al-Aqsa status quo; Israel, Palestine envoy trade barbs at UN meet “If putting me to death would put an end to this drastic shake-up…I’d be prepared to go before a firing squad,” he said in the context of his stance and verdicts as a justice from between 1978 and 2006 and the SC president for 11 years. Speaking about his time as a justice the 86-year-old said that he tried not to be overly activist nor overly conservative while delivering verdicts and took into account Israel’s history, Zionism and the country’s security needs and that he was sorry to be depicted as “the enemy of the people”, reported the Times of Israel. According to the report, Barak also said that he feels like he is obligated to warn the public about the “grave danger” their rights are in and it would not matter if they are, Jew, Arab, ultra-Orthodox, or not ultra-Orthodox. Israeli democracy will be left with one branch of governance which would be the PM. He also went on to explain that nobody will be protected from the political majority since the Knesset is powerless against the majority coalition, and Israel has no constitution, Bill of Rights, or even a second House, reported the Times of Israel. It will also affect Israel on an international level, Barak said, noting that the High Court has acted as a legal “Iron Dome” ensuring Israel’s democratic functioning, including in its treatment of the Palestinians. ALSO WATCH | Israel's new proposals give sweeping power to the Israeli government If the High Court is affected by Levin's plans to weaken it, “our chief of staff and government ministers will immediately be arrested when they travel overseas…The leaders of the country will be put on trial in the International Criminal Court in The Hague,” as per Times of Israel. What has Levin said about the plans? Subsequently, even the justice minister was also interviewed on Saturday, where he said that while he respects the former top judge, he “does not understand the essence of democracy.” Levin also dismissed the idea of establishing a committee with Barak to compromise on his proposal and said that he would discuss the plan with key members of the parliament and hope that the final legislation is “as close as possible” to the proposed one, said the media report. ALSO READ | Christian graves vandalised in Jerusalem cemetery, Israeli cops launch probe He also, in turn, criticised Barak and said he “fundamentally contradicted democracy…all power rests with the judges, and they decide what’s proportionate and reasonable. That’s not democratic.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Thousands protest in Israel against new government’s proposed legal reforms

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