Israelis continue protests against gov’t plans for judicial overhaul

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) – Protests against government plans for judicial overhaul continued for the 24th straight week in Israel on Saturday.

Thousands of protesters demonstrated at Nahalal and Karkur in northern Israel. Other protests were reported in Tel Aviv, Haifa, Rehovot, Holon and Herzliya, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported.

Protests in Tel Aviv were joined by opposition leader Yair Lapid and former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, according to Haaretz newspaper.

Israel has been in political turmoil over the past few months over plans by the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for judicial reforms, which the opposition views as a power grab in favor of the executive authority.

Netanyahu, however, insists that his plan would enhance democracy and restore the balance among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government.

In March, Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, bowed to pressure and announced a temporary halt to the plans amid protests across the country.