Thousands of Israelis demonstrated in several cities on Monday against the Benjamin Netanyahu government’s plans for judicial reform.
Demonstrators waved Israeli flags and displayed posters condemning what they see as an attack on Israel’s democratic institutions.
The protesters in West Jerusalem were addressed by opposition leader Yair Lapid, former Defense Minister Benny Gantz, and Labor leader Merav Michaeli, according to the Times of Israel.
“We will not remain silent,” Lapid declared. “We will not remain silent while they destroy everything precious and sacred to us.”
According to the Jerusalem Post, the number of demonstrators in Israel is expected to exceed one million.
The reforms, proposed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, if implemented, would be the most radical change in Israel’s government system ever.
The proposed changes would severely limit the Supreme Court of Justice’s power, give the government the authority to choose judges, and end the attorney general’s appointment of legal advisers to ministries.
However, Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges, insists that his judicial plan will strengthen democracy.
