Thousands of Israelis clash with police after controversial new ‘dictatorship’ law passed

Israeli’s have taken to the streets to oppose the new law Israeli police clashed with hoards of protesters last night after parliament introduced controversial news laws which will curtail the power of the country’s Supreme Court. The new law is part of a wider reform package and will prevent the court from overruling the Government if it perceives it to have acted unreasonably. Water cannons were fired at demonstrators in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv who were obstructing highways. Critics of the reforms claim that the move threatens the health of Israeli democracy and there are plans by opposition politicians to petition the Supreme Court to annul the new law. Despite Netanyahu’s landmark victory in the country’s parliament – The Knesset – the Histadrut – the country’s largest trade union – has threatened a general strike. Meanwhile thousands of military reservists, including pilots, have pledged not to serve if the law is not struck down. Protesters marched from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem Not to be perturbed, Mr Netanyahu has insisted that the new law is necessary for the Government to “carry out policy in line with the decision of the majority of the citizens of the country”. He did however note that he was willing to resume talks with the opposition up until November to find an agreement that all sides were satisfied with. According to police, 22 people were arrested during the protests against the reform. The law passed through the Knesset a resounding 64 votes to 0. However the law’s easy passage through the chamber doesn’t paint the full picture, as opposition politicians boycotted the vote in protest. Ironically, given so many people feel that the law is unreasonable, the bill being voted on by representatives was called the ‘reasonableness’ bill. Benjamin Netanyahu saw his vote pass the Knesset SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Front pages of the Israel newspapers were blacked out in protest Trending