Israelis protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new right-wing coalition and its proposed judicial reforms to reduce powers of the Supreme Court in Tel Aviv, israel January 14, 2023. (Credit: Amir Cohen/Reuters)
TEL AVIV — Tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrated in three major cities Saturday, protesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform plans, with organizers accusing him of undermining democratic rule weeks after his reelection.
Astride a religious-nationalist coalition with a solid parliamentary majority, Netanyahu, now in his sixth term, wants to rein in Israel's Supreme Court in what he has described as a restoration of the balance of the three branches of government.
Critics say the proposed reforms would cripple judicial independence, foster corruption, set back minority rights and deprive Israel's court system of credibility that helps fend off war-crimes allegations abroad. Among those opposed are the Supreme Court's chief justice and the country's attorney-general.
After President Isaac Herzog appealed to polarized politicians to "lower the temperature" of the debates, organizers of the demonstrations — held under chilly winter rain — sought to strike a note of national unity.
"Take an Israeli flag in one hand, an umbrella in the other, and come out to protect democracy and law in the State of Israel," said centrist ex-defense minister Benny Gantz, who attended the Tel Aviv rally but, like other opposition figures, was not due to address it.
"We Are Preserving Our Shared Home," read one demonstrator's placard. Netanyahu was guilty of a "legal putsch," said another.
Social media footage showed a small number of Palestinian flags on display, in defiance of Netanyahu's far-right allies. One of these, National Security Ministry Itamar Ben-Gvir, told Kan TV he wanted such flags removed but was awaiting the opinion of the attorney-general before ordering any crackdown by police.
The 73-year-old Netanyahu signalled flexibility on the reform plan Friday, saying it would be implemented "with careful consideration while hearing all of the positions."
Polls have diverged on public views of the reforms. Channel 13 TV last week found 53 percent of Israelis were opposed to changing the court appointments' structure while 35 percent were in support. Channel 14 TV said Thursday it found 61 percent in favor and 35 percent opposed.
Critics of the Supreme Court say it is overreaching and unrepresentative of the electorate. Its proponents call the court a means of bringing equilibrium to a fractious society.
"Tens of thousands of people were at tonight's demonstrations. In the election held here two and a half months ago, millions turned out," tweeted Miki Zohar a senior lawmaker in Netanyahu's conservative Likud party.
"We promised the people change. We promised governance. We promised reforms — and we will make good on that."