Week 35: Demonstrations Sweep Israel as Thousands Protest Government's Handling the democracy

In the face of ongoing chaos in south Tel Aviv, protests against what has been termed the "legal revolution" continued this Saturday evening as part of a series of demonstrations. Despite the tumultuous events in the city, the leaders of the protest, known as "Kaplan Force," emphasized that they were in constant contact with the Israel Police to ensure the safety of the gatherings.

The catalyst for these protests can be traced back to the recent Eritrean riots. In response, MK Tali Gottlieb of the Likud party made a controversial statement, alleging that "the IDF and the Shin Bet work for the terrorists," a statement that even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disowned.

According to Kaplan Force, the government's actions are endangering Israeli democracy. Recent statements from coalition members criticizing the IDF, Shin Bet, Mossad, and other security agencies have raised concerns about the state's stability. In their view, the only way to counteract this perceived threat is through continued public protest.

Shakma Bresler, one of the protest leaders, expressed gratitude towards the police officers who, she claimed, paid a heavy price for the government's negligence. She highlighted an agreement from 2018 that could have resolved issues related to Eritrean refugees but was abandoned due to political pressure. Bresler asserted that this decision, driven by racism, has had long-lasting negative consequences for the country.

Former Minister of Justice Avi Nissenkorn delivered a speech during the protests, stating that the Knesset has lost its significance and that power is increasingly centralized within the government. Nissenkorn argued that the judiciary remains the only independent authority preserving the democratic structure of Israel. He criticized the Minister of Justice for obstructing the selection of judges, accusing them of deliberately weakening the legal system.

Meanwhile, in Haifa, thousands gathered for the 35th consecutive Saturday to march from the center of Carmel to the Horev intersection. The protest, held to coincide with the start of the school year, was led by teachers, parents, and students who demanded democratic education for their children.

Miki Goldwasser, the mother of the late soldier Udi Goldwasser, who was kidnapped and killed, expressed her feelings of shame during the Haifa demonstration. She questioned what she would tell her son and suggested that thanks to the protesters, she might find the courage to visit his grave again.

Former Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, speaking after Goldwasser, became emotional, condemning what she perceived as reckless security decisions made by the government. Livni accused the Prime Minister of prioritizing right-wing interests over national security and criticized him for attacking IDF and Shin Bet commanders who risk their lives daily for the country.

In Jerusalem, over 1,000 people gathered in front of the President's house to voice their concerns, while in Kasaria, a convoy of cars departed from the rally museum in the direction of Netanyahu's private residence, underscoring the widespread discontent among the population.