Masses protest judicial reform, but turnout lower

The protests against the government’s plans for judicial reform continued across Israel for the 21st week in a row on Saturday evening, although the numbers were reportedly lower than they had been at their height.

The first demonstrations of the day began in Gedera, Hagoma junction, Drorim bridge and Ketura.

Demonstrations were held over a hundred towns, squares and junctions throughout the country. The central demonstration was again held on Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street.

Main speakers on Kaplan Street included former defense minister and chief of staff Moshe “Bogie” Ya’alon, protest organizer Shikma Bressler, chairman of the Havruta – Religious LGBTQ+ Association Shay Bramson, Dr. Rina Anati and Noam Lanir.

A large portion of the demonstrators were in Kaplan on Saturday, according to estimations.

Ya’alon criticized the government’s recently passed national budget, calling it the “budget of a dictatorial regime.”

He also attacked opposition leader Yair Lapid and National Unity chairman Benny

Gantz for their willingness to continue negotiations with the government: “You are talking to him [Netanyahu] and his people? About what, about a dictatorship, salami-style?”

In Ramat Hasharon, thousands gathered to protest, according to Ynet. Over 2,000 people demonstrated at Karkur junction on Highway 65, according to Ynet.

Labor party chairwoman Merav Michaeli gave a speech at Karkur junction and was booed, with protesters shouting “resign!” and blaming her for destroying the Labor party. “So there were some people in front of the stage who shouted abuse, it happens. I believe in my way,” Michaeli said in response.

“Now it is clear that the negotiations at the President’s Residence served as a mere ploy by Netanyahu to buy time. The government is one vote away from passing the judicial overhaul which would undermine Israel’s democratic institutions. Only one thing stopped the government in their first attempt to push the judicial overhaul through: Hundreds of thousands of Israelis protesting. Our protest will once again stop Netanyahu,” the leadership of the national protests said in a statement.