Page 56 - Basic Laws News Today

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Israels Netanyahu vows unity as thousands decry justice reforms

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Thursday to restore unity in Israel where divisions have widened over his government's judicial reform programme and police fired water cannon at protesters blocking a highway in Tel Aviv.Demonstrators fear the proposed reforms, which would increase the power of politicians over the courts and are already moving through parliament, are a threat to Israeli democracy.Israel's allies abroad have also raised concerns about the overhaul.

Perry World House hosted a conversation to look at how the proposals from Israel’s new far-right government could weaken the country’s democracy.

After justice minister vows 'we won't accept' justices barring judicial appointments law, economy minister backs bill but says court must be heeded to avoid chaos; Likud bashes him

Critics have accused Israeli PM Netanyahu of trying to curb independence of the courts.

Olim say Zionist vision that inspired them to come to Israel 'has been hijacked by extremists who threaten very fabric of country as a Jewish and democratic state'

From the blog of Yedidia Z. Stern at The Times of Israel

Man said to ram car into Herzliya group; motorcyclist drives into Givatayim crowd; multiple assault reports; well-known Likud activist calls women 'Hitler's contemptible handmaids'

Mass protests have rocked Israel since January this year, ever since the Netanyahu government announced the judicial reforms in days after taking office.