“A Black Day For Israeli Democracy” Writes Newspapers As Israel Protests The New Law

Israel Protests: A day after the government approved a law weakening the nation’s highest court that critics claim will undermine the system of checks and balances, thousands of Israeli medical professionals called in sick, labor groups threatened a national strike, and senior justices hurried home from a trip overseas. A coalition of high-tech corporations paid for the front pages of four major Israeli newspapers to be coated in black ink, creating an intimidating impression. The bottom line of each page had the following single sentence: “A black day for Israeli democracy.”

The law demeaning Supreme Court

The nation was shaken by Monday’s voting on the first of several bills that make up Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial judiciary makeover. It happened in spite of the tremendous public opposition that had been there for seven months, Netanyahu’s promises of a final compromise, and a rare warning against the reform from Israel’s closest ally, the United States.

The opposition stormed out of the room shouting “Shame!” as the governing coalition, which includes ultra-nationalist and ultra-religious parties, unanimously passed the bill. But adversaries assert that the conflict is not over: Civil rights organisations petitioned the Supreme Court to strike down the new law, and demonstrations once again erupted on the nation’s streets.

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Israel Protests going violent

Overnight, hundreds of thousands of people spread out over Tel Aviv, lighting off fireworks, burning tyres, and waving flags. Nearly 40 people were detained as a result of police using water cannons and an offensive spray against protesters in central Jerusalem while mounted on horses. Videos showed police striking people till they bled, forcibly forcing them back with batons, and pulling protestors. Police reported that at least 10 cops had injuries.

No support from the Military

A blow to the nation’s operational readiness has been dealt by the announcement of thousands of officers in the military reserves that they will no longer be available for voluntary service. The protests led to the first recorded internal disciplinary action by the Israeli military. For ignoring call-ups, one reservist received a $1,000 fine ($270) and another received a suspended 15-day jail sentence.