Tens of Thousands Take to the Streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to Protest Netanyahu’s Proposed Judicial Reforms

On Saturday night, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government’s proposed changes to the Israeli judicial system. Despite pouring rain, police estimated that more than 80,000 people flooded central Tel Aviv’s HaBima square and surrounding streets, according to Israeli media. Smaller protests also took place outside Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, and in Haifa.

The protesters told CNN they came out of fear for Israel’s future and to send a message to Netanyahu that the public wouldn’t stand for what they see as the dismantling of Israeli democracy. Among what demonstrators oppose includes proposed judicial reforms that critics say would undermine the Israeli Supreme Court and Israel’s human rights protections.

Victor, 46, told CBS News, “This is a fight for our homes, for our future, for the future of our children.” The Netanyahu coalition’s proposed policies pose a threat to democracy and human rights in Israel, the protesters say.

The protests come at a time of heightened political tensions in Israel, with Netanyahu facing a corruption trial and a possible fourth election in two years. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and has accused the Israeli judicial system of being biased against him.

The protests in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem have been largely peaceful, with no reports of violence or arrests. It is unclear what effect the protests will have on the proposed judicial reforms, but it is clear that the people of Israel are determined to make their voices heard.