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Israel: Protests, strikes expected following clause approval

Mass protests, strikes expected in Israel following Knesset approval of clause limiting Supreme Court powers
MENA
5 min read
24 July, 2023
The Knesset's approval of a controversial judicial clause granting the government control over the appointment of judges has already triggered protests in the country, as well as potential strikes.
Israelis are reacting to the controversial judicial overhaul bill by protesting and striking [Getty]

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The Israeli Knesset approved a controversial bill that will grant the country's far-right government control over the judiciary, Israeli media reported.

Protesters in Israel are staging protests, blocking highways and setting car tyres alight in response to the bill that was passed earlier today in parliament.

Israel's Medical Association said it would strike on Tuesday in response to the clause, with hospitals operating on a minimum capacity, the Times of Israel said.

Police have scuffled with a number of protestors, injuring them with water canon.

Further protests are expected throughout the week ahead.

Of 120 MKs, 64 voted in favour of the bill, which will curb the powers of the Supreme Court.

Among the voters was Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who previously called for a compromise.

The Israeli opposition boycotted the vote and walked out following the bill's approval in protest.

Multiple last-minute attempts to amend the bill were also rejected.

Thousands of Israelis protested throughout the country hours before and during the final vote, with at least 19 people arrested by police. 

Police also used water canons to disperse demonstrators blocking the entrance to the Knesset, while two people have already been injured and hospitalised, according to Israeli media.

The bill has been the subject of mass protests in the country since the beginning of the year, with hundreds of thousands demonstrating on a near-weekly basis over fears that the overhaul will change the makeup of the Judicial Selection Committee.

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The Knesset's final vote was also attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was discharged from hospital on Monday following an operation at the Sheba Medical Center to have a pacemaker fitted.