Thousands of Israelis in new protests against judicial reforms

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the proposed revision at the end of March, but opponents want it scrapped.

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets in Israel to protest the government’s plan to overhaul the judiciary, despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to drop the controversial proposals.

More than 100,000 people took part in the main demonstration in Tel Aviv on Saturday, according to Israeli broadcaster Channel 12, and smaller demonstrations took place across the country. Counter-protests were also planned in several places.

Protest organizers, who have been holding these weekly protests for more than three months, are aiming to maintain momentum and increase pressure on Netanyahu and his government until the proposed changes are scrapped.

Facing opposition from civil society, parts of the military and even within his own cabinet, Netanyahu halted the revision plans in late March, saying he wanted to “avoid civil war”.

The plan would give Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies in Israel’s most hardline government the final say in appointing the country’s judges.

It would also give parliament, which is controlled by its allies, the power to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit the court’s ability to review laws.

Opponents have said it will destroy a system of checks and balances by concentrating power in the hands of Netanyahu and his allies in parliament.

They have also said that Netanyahu has a conflict of interest at the time of his trial.