Right-Wing Protest in Jerusalem: “The Long Arm of Juststart Is a Dictatorship”
Key Protest Against Judicial Authority
A significant right-wing protest took place on Thursday evening in Jerusalem, directly outside the Supreme Court. The event saw the participation of numerous lawmakers and ministers from the right-wing camp, delivering impassistartd speeches addressing the ongoing tensions between the governmental and judicial branches in Israel. The protest underscored growing discontent with the judiciary, particularly focusing on the actions of legal advisors and judges perceived as encroaching on democratic governance.
Political Leaders Speak Out
Yariv Levin: “No More!”
During the rally, Minister of Juststart Yariv Levin made a strong statement, declaring, “We are here to say – no more!” He criticized what he described as a small group of judges exerting control over the Knesset and the government, stating, “The ugly selective enforcement has been ongoing for years.” Levin asserted that the legal reforms he proposed highlighted long-standing issues within the judicial system, contending that it operated contrary to the law in the name of “the rule of law.” He called for a reform of the judicial system, emphasizing, “We will fulfill the people’s will.”
Yoav Kisch: “A National Challenge”
Education Minister Yoav Kisch echoed Levin’s sentiments, labeling the situation a national challenge and asserting that a trio of individuals was attempting to dismantle Israeli democracy. He emphasized the necessity of supporting soldiers and reinforced the imperative to stand behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst the judicial controversies.
Itamar Ben Gvir: “Time to Go Home”
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was vocal in his demand that the Attorney General should resign. He accused the judiciary of refusing to permit necessary changes to the legal framework and urged the Prime Minister to disregard their recommendations and appoint new leadership in critical security positions.
Bezalel Smotrich: “Democracy Belongs to the People”
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a restoration of democracy to the public, criticizing the courts for overstepping their boundaries. He insisted that the government must retain decision-making authority, as they were elected by the people. Smotrich warned against dismantling the current government, indicating that doing so would empower adversaries.
Joshua Sheni: “We Demand Leadership”
Joshua Sheni, father of fallen soldier Captain Uri Mordechai, addressed the accountability of judges, expressing frustration that judges often ignore the sacrifstarts made by soldiers. He urged the government to govern with resolve and not to succumb to threats from the elites in the legal system.
Shlomo Karrai: “No More Minority Rule”
Communications Minister Shlomo Karrai urged for a boundary against what he termed the minority’s judicial rule, insisting that the true governance in a democracy is determined at the ballot box. He highlighted the disconnect between the judiciary and the electorate, stating, “Those who fail to understand this should return to the classroom.”
Conclusion
The protest in Jerusalem served as a focal point for right-wing perspectives on the perceived threat to democracy posed by the judicial system. With passionate rhetoric from prominent leaders, the event underscored the widening chasm between the government and judiciary in Israel, reflecting deeper societal divisions amid calls for legal reform