Thousands of Israelis took to the streets Thursday to demonstrate against the judicial reform in what protest leaders have dubbed a "Day of National Disruption."
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Demonstrations said they would go beyond blocking roads and make "house calls" to the private residences of Coalition lawmakers. Some schools and businesses also plan to strike. "Behind the disruptions stand tens of thousands of Israelis who are not ready to live in a dictatorship," organizers of the demonstrations wrote. In Bnei Barak, a group set up a mock induction center to protest the almost total exemption granted to Haredim from mandatory military service.
Despite the effort by President Isaac Herzog to seek a way out of the stalemate, the sides appeared to be further digging in. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies were set to barrel forward with their original plan despite weeks of mass protests and widespread opposition from across Israeli society and beyond as well as warnings by Herzog that Israel was headed toward an "abyss."
Protesters in Jerusalem drew a red streak on the streets leading to the country's Supreme Court and a small flotilla of boats was blocking the shipping lane off the coast of the northern city of Haifa.
The judicial reform has been a source of major contention since it was first introduced in January by Justice Minister Yariv Levin. Opponents say the legislation will grant the new government headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unbridled powers, while supporters say it will balance the judiciary, executive, and legislative branches bringing Israel more in line with other democratic nations.
Video: Reuters / Drone view of Israeli protesters painting 'red line' leading to Supreme Court after Netanyahu spurns compromise
The "Day of National Disruption" will culminate with a major nighttime demonstration at Habima Square in Tel Aviv. Previously held "days of disruption" turned violent with police using stun grenades to disperse protesters blocking the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv and arresting dozens of people.
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