Tens of Thousands Attend Protest to Support Judicial Reform

By Matis Glenn

Droves of protestors came out in Tel-Aviv Thursday evening in support of the government’s judicial reforms, after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced a pause in the proceedings earlier this week.

The protest began at 7:00 p.m. in front of the Tel-Aviv Museum on Shaul Hamelech Street, heading towards the Knesset.

“Today everyone knows, in the coalition and also in the opposition, that reform and amendments to the judicial system must be carried out,” organizers of the protest, which attracted more than 1,000 people said. “It is possible to discuss the issue, it is important to reach an agreement but we will not allow surrender. The people’s decision must not be overridden by thugs who encouraged insubordination and harm to the Israeli economy. The majority of the people demand an amendment to the judicial system and this must not be taxed, most of the people must not be turned into second-class citizens.”

Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir supported the demonstration and cautioned against violence. “Tonight’s demonstrations are important for democracy, but I call on all demonstrators not to be drawn into violence and not, G-d forbid, to harm anyone, neither demonstrators nor journalists. The police are also expected to apply equal treatment to all the demonstrators, and I trust the police commissioner to guide the police officers in accordance with the minister’s policy – equal treatment of everyone.”

The organizers said that “We emphasize…We will not block roads – we are not anarchists. There will be no and no incitement to violence. The march is approved by the police, and tonight Tel Aviv will also hear – the people have chosen legal reform!”

Police said that there will be traffic delays due to closed streets. “Due to the roadblocks, there may be large traffic congestions throughout the province. We must obey the instructions of the police officers stationed at the checkpoints and use alternative routes.”