Why is Israel witnessing the biggest ever protest in history? Why is the public on the streets against PM Benjamin Netanyahu?

Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has probably descended into dictatorship, so not only in Israel but also in foreign countries where Jews are living, they are opposing Netanyahu. The public protest in Israel on Sunday is said to be the biggest protest in the history of that country. Let us also tell you that Netanyahu was away from power for some time due to no party getting a clear majority last time, but with his return to power, all kinds of controversies have started arising in Israel.

What did the President say?

Till now the public was on the streets against him, now Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has also urged the government to immediately stop the controversial plan to overhaul the judiciary. At the same time, he has warned that his plan is putting the country’s security, economy and society at risk. Isaac Herzog also called upon the government to put aside political differences for the sake of the country. He said in a statement, “Last night we saw a very difficult situation. I appeal to the Prime Minister, members of the government and members of the coalition that sentiments are hurt. The whole country is immersed in deep worry. Our security, economy, society – all are at risk. All the people of Israel are looking at you with hopeful eyes. All the Jewish people are waiting for you. The whole world is counting on you.” The President said, “For the sake of the unity of the people of Israel, for the sake of the necessary responsibility, I request you to immediately stop the legislative process.” Urged to keep citizens paramount.

Why have people come on the streets?

Let us tell you that the Israeli President has made this appeal when a day earlier Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had sacked his Defense Minister for opposing this plan. Massive protesters took to the streets to protest Netanyahu’s sacking of the defense minister. In fact, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to make radical changes in the judiciary, but Defense Minister Gallant challenged his plan, saying that the change in the judiciary is a “threat to the country’s security”. Due to this statement, he was sacked. What was it then, the Israeli public took to the streets to protest.

As the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement, “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to sack Defense Minister Yoav Galant on March 26, 2023.” Following this announcement, thousands of people across the country took to the streets in an unprecedented outcry. . Let us tell you that the government’s plan to change the judiciary was opposed not only in the country, but also during Netanyahu’s visit to Italy, Germany and Britain, thousands of people of the Jewish expatriate community opposed it. The demonstrations have worried business leaders, former security chiefs and even the United States, Israel’s closest ally.

Will there be a middle way?

Meanwhile, some leaders of the ruling Likud party have expressed a willingness to compromise as the protests intensify. Netanyahu’s confidant and Culture Minister Miki Johar said the party would support the prime minister if he wanted to stop the proposal to overhaul the judiciary.

Why is there ruckus?

Indeed, Netanyahu’s government plans to hold a parliament vote this week on a bill that would give the ruling coalition the final say on judicial appointments. It also has provisions for passing laws that would empower Parliament with a simple majority to overturn Supreme Court decisions and limit judicial review of laws. Netanyahu and his allies argue that the plan would restore balance between the judicial and executive branches. But critics say the law will upset Israel’s democratic system and hand over power to the ruling coalition. They also say that this law is also a conflict of interest for Netanyahu, who is facing a corruption trial.