The following is a chronological summary of the major events that have been taking place during the 2023 Israeli judicial reform protests.
Events leading to the protests
editJanuary
edit
On 4th January, after the establishment of the 37th government of Israel, Yariv Levin presented his plan for changes in the judicial system.[1] his reform was controversial, and was not accepted by opposition, they claimed this wasn't a reform but a "overhaul".[2] Barak Ravid called the reform "A plan to eliminate separation of powers". Tamar Zandberg called it "a coup".[3][4] Yair Lapid said that it's not a reform but "a threatening letter".
On 5th January, Eretz Nehederet, Israeli prime-time television satirical sketch comedy show, did an episode mocking the judicial reform and Benjamin Netanyahu.[5]
On 7th January, thousands protested in Tel Aviv against the reform.[6] The protesters gathered in Habima Square and split into two marches following arguments between the organizers.[7] around 20,000 protested in Tel Aviv and 200 protested in Haifa.[7]
On 11th January, Benny Gantz urged Israelis ‘from left to right’ to attend anti-government rallies Saturday.[8]
On 14th January, 77,000 protested in Tel Aviv and 3,000 protested in other places across Israel against the reform.[9]
On 15th January, Benjamin Netanyahu sayed he got the mandate from the people at the elections, and that he's insisting on passing the reforms, despite crticism.[10]
On 21st January, 120,000 protested in Tel Aviv and 10,000 protested in other places across Israel against the reform.[11][12] Thousands more rallied in towns across the country, including in Jerusalem, Haifa, Beersheba, Herzliya and Modi’in-Maccabim-Re'ut.[12] 400 veterans of the Sayeret Matkal participated in the demonstration.
On 24th January, protesters staged a warning strike protest across israel. Hundreds of businesses were closed.[13] NY-based investor in local startups said it supports action.[13]
On 28th January, 40,000 protested in Tel Aviv and 20,000 protested in other places across Israel against the reform.[14] Some protested in front of Yariv Levin house, others protest in Netanya, one of Netanyahu key cities.[15]
February
editOn 3th February, Emmanuel Macron, Preisdent of France, warned Netanyahu over judicial overhaul and settlements.[16]
On 4th February, tens of thousands[17] protested on 20 cities across Israel,[18] Including Beit Shemesh and Ashdod. protests also took place in Paris, France and London, United Kingdom.
- ^ "Netanyahu's Justice Minister Presents Plans for Radical Judicial Overhaul".
- ^ "Justice minister rolls out controversial plan to overhaul judiciary, shackle court". Times of Israel.
- ^ Barak Ravid on Twitter (X)
- ^ Tamar Zandberg on Twitter (X)
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "Thousands of Israelis protest new government's policies". AP News. 2023-01-07. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ a b "אלפים הפגינו נגד הממשלה בתל אביב: "לא ניתן לכם להפוך אותנו לדיקטטורה"". Haaretz.
- ^ "Gantz urges Israelis 'from left to right' to attend anti-government rallies Saturday". Times of Israel.
- ^ "כ-80 אלף הפגינו בת"א נגד הרפורמה המשפטית; המשטרה מנעה ירידה לנתיבי איילון". www.israelhayom.co.il. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ Tisdall, Simon (2023-01-15). "Netanyahu is Israel's own worst enemy. Why won't western allies confront him?". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "Israelis stage giant protest against Netanyahu court reform". 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ a b "'Night is descending on Israel': Over 100,000 rally in Tel Aviv; largest protest yet". Times of Israel.
- ^ a b "Hundreds of tech workers strike, block Tel Aviv road to protest judicial overhaul". Times of Israel.
- ^ "Anti-government protests to begin with minute's silence for Jerusalem terror attack". Times of Israel.
- ^ "ההפגנות נגד הממשלה הגיעו לנתניה - זה מה שצפוי לקרות בהמשך". mynetnetanya (in Hebrew). 2023-01-29. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ "Macron warns Netanyahu over judicial overhaul, settlements". Times of Israel.
- ^ "Anti-government protests continue in Israel decrying judicial reforms". euronews. 2023-02-04. Retrieved 2024-06-29.
- ^ France-Presse, Agence (2023-02-05). "Israel protests: thousands rally for fifth week against government's legal reforms". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-06-29.