Israeli protests reignite over judicial reform advances

Israeli rioters block roads, burnt tires, objecting to a recent bill to remove the power of the Supreme Court to review ministers’ decisions passed its first reading in parliament on Monday.

The reforms proposed by Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have sparked mass Israeli protests, with some protesters gluing themselves to the floor by the entrance of the parliament building’s chamber.

Netanyahu’s government argues that the courts exercise too much political interference, overriding the will of the electorate, while opposers say the government’s plans are too extensive.

Protestors have been calling for a Day of Resistance on Tuesday, they started blocking roads, causing traffic jams during rush hour.

Israeli police have arrested at least 42 people, with the protestors at the parliament getting dragged away by guards, while the ones burning tires being removed by police.

A group of war veterans held protests inside a terminal at Ben Gurion International Airport, dressed as red-caped characters from dystopian novel adapted into TV series, The Handmaid’s Tale, and greeting people.

Protestors are planning protests around the airport, inside the president’s residence in Jerusalem, the Israeli defense ministry in Tel Aviv, and the US embassy’s branch office.

Reservists are also threating to stop turning up for duty in protest at the reforms, with reservists from Israel’s Shin Bet domestic security agency and the Mossad intelligence service saying to follow suit.

The military’s chief of staff said that reservists do not have the right to refuse to show up, while the military said it will act against anyone who follows through on their threats.