Thousands of people demonstrate in Jerusalem in front of the Israeli Parliament building against the bill on the reform of the judiciary, which provides for increased political power over the judiciary.

Holding banners with slogans such as “Save Israel’s Democracy,” the protesters expressed their dissatisfaction that the legislative committee began voting on some provisions of the text presented by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which set the stage for a first reading vote.

The organizers of the movement believe that the reform threatens the democratic nature of the State of Israel and today also called for a nationwide strike.

Netanyahu returned to power in late December, heading one of the most right-wing governments in Israel’s history, the result of an alliance between his Likud party, far-right parties and Jewish ultra-Orthodox groups.

In early January, Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced a plan to reform the judiciary, against which dozens of protesters demonstrate every Saturday night, mostly in Tel Aviv, but also in Jerusalem or Haifa in northern Israel.

The plan increases MPs’ power over the power of judges and greatly limits the Supreme Court’s ability to overturn laws and government decisions.

The “fallback” clause thus allows Parliament to reverse the High Court’s decision by a simple majority.

Netanyahu himself is accused of several corruption cases. If passed, the reform could be used to “remove” his possible conviction, opponents of the bill argue.

On Sunday evening, Israeli President Isaac Herzog made a televised address calling for dialogue to end the “polarization” that he says divides the country.

“Consensus is possible,” he said, suggesting that the legislative process be suspended for cross-party discussions.

Source: AFP, APE-MPE.