JERUSALEM: Thousands of Israeli anti-government protesters rallied at the Supreme Court on Monday, the eve of a historic hearing on a bid by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition to curb the court’s powers.
“Israel was always a democratic country, open, liberal,” said protester David Leshem. “This government wants to change it and we are not going to let them.” Efforts to reach agreements between Netanyahu and opponents have so far been fruitless, adding to fears the crisis will only deepen. Though Netanyahu’s political rivals have voiced scepticism over his intentions, Benny Gantz, one of the opposition leaders, said on Monday that: “If there is a solution on the table that will safeguard democracy, I’ll be there.”The appellants in Tuesday’s hearing – opposition lawmakers and watchdog groups – say the amendment removes vital democratic checks and balances and invites abuses of power. They also argue that the swift legislation process was flawed.