Tens of Thousands Protest Netanyahu’s Judicial Overhaul Plan, Sparking a General Strike and Economic Crisis in Israel

Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets of cities across the country on Sunday night in a spontaneous display of anger after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, for challenging the Israeli leader’s judicial overhaul plan. The strike by the Histadrut umbrella group, which represents more than 700,000 workers in various fields, could paralyze large parts of Israel’s economy, which is already on shaky ground.

The unrest has deepened a monthslong crisis over Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judiciary, which has sparked mass protests, alarmed business leaders and former security chiefs and drawn concern from the United States and other close allies. In Tel Aviv, protesters blocked a main highway and lit large bonfires, while police scuffled with protesters who gathered outside Netanyahu’s private home in Jerusalem.

Netanyahu’s dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant signaled that the prime minister and his allies will barrel ahead with the plan despite the backlash. In response, the Israel Medical Association announced a full strike in the health system that will impact all public hospitals. Histadrut chairman Arnon Bar-David also called for a general strike in a televised address.

The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the Israeli economy, which is already struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. The move has also raised concerns among close allies of Israel, who have expressed their concern over Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judiciary. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the coming days.