JERUSALEM: Israel is preparing for further strikes and protests after a divisive parliamentary vote on a controversial judicial reform, which has caused deep divisions within the nation and garnered criticism from international allies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-right government passed a key part of its reforms on Monday, sparking legal challenges and clashes on the streets. In response, opponents are continuing their months-long protests, with doctors also participating in a walkout on Tuesday. The head of the Israel Medical Association, Zion Hagay, lamented that attempts at dialogue were futile, and the victory celebrations symbolized a war with no real winners.
The Histadrut trade union confederation has threatened another general strike, following the one in March, in response to the reforms. Amidst the instability, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange experienced a slump on Tuesday, continuing its decline from the previous day.
Outrage Against Controversial Judicial Reform in Israel
Various groups, including the Israel Bar Association, have filed petitions to the Supreme Court to challenge the new legislation. Newspapers displayed blackened front pages with the headline “A black day for Israeli democracy,” and an advert opposing the judicial reforms.
Protests continued into the night after the parliamentary vote, with emotions running high among demonstrators. There were 58 arrests during the protests, and clashes occurred in Tel Aviv, the center of one of the largest protest movements in the country.
The opposition criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s televised address, accusing him of being a “puppet of messianic extremists” due to his coalition’s deep divisions and reliance on far-right and ultra-Orthodox Jewish allies.
The political instability and unrest have raised concerns among Israel’s international allies, with the White House describing the vote as “unfortunate,” and German foreign ministry expressing great concern over the tensions within Israeli society.
