Tens of thousands of Israelis on Saturday protested the government's plans to overhaul the legal system, three days after parliament advanced a series of bills that would enable lawmakers to overturn a Supreme Court decision with a simple majority.
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During the main protest in Tel Aviv, some demonstrators blocked the main freeway connecting central Israel to the rest of the country – the Ayalon Highway – for more than an hour, during which they even created a bonfire and clashed with police.
Video: Or Adar
Despite officers calling them to disperse with bullhorns, protesters resisted, and eventually, more than 20 were arrested. One of them also scrawled "Netanyahu the traitor" on the pavement (referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), which triggered an incitement investigation.
According to the Israel Police, two officers were bitten by protesters during the altercation.
The "Supreme Court override" bill's approval in a preliminary vote in the Knesset was the latest step by Netanyahu's ruling coalition toward realizing the judicial overhaul that is steaming ahead despite calls for dialogue and consensus from American Jews and Israel's president, and the weekly mass protests.
In addition to weakening the country's highest court, the protesters say the proposed changes threaten Israel's democratic values and concentrate power with the ruling coalition in parliament. Netanyahu and his ruling coalition believe the court has had unchecked power for years.
For eight weeks, the weekly protests have gained momentum, with large sectors of Israeli society and businesses joining them. On Saturday, the main protest took place in the central city of Tel Aviv along with numerous smaller demonstrations across the country.
The protesters held Israeli flags, flares, and posters with different messages against the judicial overhauls. "No Constitution, No Democracy," said one placard. Some demonstrators stood behind a banner reading "They Shall Not Pass" and "We Shall Override," referring to the vote.
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