Israelis took to the streets of the ultra-orthodox city of Bnei Brak on Thursday protesting against the government’s overhaul of the court system, intensifying a months-long campaign decrying the move.
Drone footage showed thousands of protestors marching in the city, some of whom were carrying a huge replica of the country’s declaration of independence.
Netanyahu’s government, which includes religious and ultranationalist parties, is largely supported by Bnei Brak’s Orthodox community.
The protests have escalated since the start of the year when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-right government introduced new legislation that would limit the authority of the Supreme Court.
The plan has stirred concern for Israel’s democratic health at home and abroad. Military reservists have joined the protests and senior officials in the Finance Ministry warned this week of an economic backlash.
Netanyahu in the meantime pushed ahead with the legislation, which includes bills to give the government decisive sway in electing judges and to limit the court’s power to strike down laws.
On Thursday a law was ratified limiting the circumstances in which a prime minister can be removed.
Netanyahu – on trial for corruption charges he denies – says the judicial overhaul is needed to restore balance between the branches of government.
Critics say it will weaken Israel’s democracy and hand uncontrolled powers to the government of the day.
