Hundreds of thousands flocked to Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street on Sunday night for “The Million” right-wing rally supporting the government’s planned judicial reforms.
Anti-government anarchists have been holding weekly rallies and demonstrations for more than half a year — but according to Israel Police, at least 300,000 members of the right-wing camp ruled the site on Sunday night.
Israel’s Knesset geared up for its final debate Sunday night on the “reasonableness” clause. The rally was intended to reinforce support for Monday’s vote on the amendment to modify the clause, thus reducing the power of the judicial system to strike down laws based simply on the opinion of a judge as to whether or not the laws are “reasonable.”
“The people are with you: complete the legislation!” right-wing supporters shouted. “Sixty-four mandates are not second class!”
The latter is a reference to the solid right-wing majority Israeli voters elected to the Knesset last November – and as a result, the government’s promise to overhaul the country’s skewed judicial system.
Likud government Minister David Amsalem called it an “historic moment” in the State of Israel, and another step to ensure the continuation of Israel as a democratic state.
“For the past six months we have practically accepted a coup d’etat in the State of Israel, including a military rebellion that is taking place in the Israel Defense Forces,” Amsalem told the 0404 news outlet.
“Those who care about the country should come and protest this. We are a democratic country and those who really care about democracy should come. This demonstration . . . by the right-wing, lovers of the State of Israel and lovers of the IDF, will come to express their support.
“This is an historic moment in the State of Israel. It is important for us to preserve our democracy.”
