Israel protests – news: Far-right groups attack Arabs at pro-Netanyahu march

Three arrests were made after far-right groups attacked Arabs during pro-government protests in Israel, as Benjamin Netanyahu delayed an incendiary power grab which would see politicians given a greater say in the courts.

Police said dozens of members of the extremist right-wing La Familia group were filmed attacking several Arabs in Jerusalem, in one case “savagely” beating a taxi driver and causing damage to his car.

Monday night saw clashes between opposing groups of protesters, who were out in their thousands on the streets of Israel’s major cities for a second night despite the prime minister’s attempt to diffuse the anger over his proposed judicial reform.

Mr Netanyahu in a prime-time speech on Monday night acknowledged the divisions roiling the nation and announced a monthlong delay for the legislation, saying he wanted “to avoid civil war” and seek a compromise with political opponents.

Opposition parties have started building teams to negotiate an alternative to the ruling right-wing coalition’s reforms, which would give Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nation’s judges, among other measures which critics say will weaken Israel’s system of checks and balances.

Key Points

• Netanyahu delays judicial reforms after mass action

• Far-right Israeli groups attack Arabs at pro-Netanyahu protests

• Protests set to continue despite delay

• Why are there protests in Israel?

Netanyahu suspends judicial overhaul after day of Israeli turmoil

04:40 , Namita Singh

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused his signature plan to overhaul Israel’s judiciary after a day of nationwide turmoil when workers joined a general strike against the proposal and hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets.

The plans by his nationalist religious coalition to hand control over judicial appointments to the executive while giving parliament the power to overturn Supreme Court rulings has ignited one of the biggest internal crises in Israeli history.

Announcing his decision late on Monday to suspend the plans until parliament returns after the break for the Passover holiday and Independence Day next month, Mr Netanyahu said the crisis required all sides to act responsibly.

“Israeli society is on a dangerous collision course. We are in the midst of a crisis that is endangering the basic unity between us,” he said in a prime time television address.

Ex-Israeli ambassador defends Netanyahu’s reforms

09:32 , Liam James

Former Israeli ambassador to the UK Mark Regev has defended Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul proposal, arguing that it was part of the government’s agenda when the prime minister was re-elected last year.

Speaking about the mass protests against the controversial reforms, Mr Regev told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “There were tens of thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands of demonstrators on the street [in Israel], but there was a poll taken, and that was the Israeli election on 1 November.

“This government was elected with a majority and judicial reform was part of its agenda. Even people who voted for the government support the idea that this be done in a less confrontational manner, that this be done through consensus.

“I think there’s support on both sides of the legal divide for this process of dialogue, which I hope will succeed, but I’m not sure it will.”

He added: “All coalition governments involve compromises, and I’m sure Netanyahu from his perspective, didn’t get re-elected prime minister to see other people dominate the agenda.”

Far-right Israeli groups attack Arabs at pro-Netanyahu protests

09:02 , Liam James

Far-right groups attacked Arab passersby during pro-government demonstrations in Jerusalem, in one case “savagely” beating a man, police said this morning.

Three people were arrested for the assault which came as opposing protesters for and against a proposed judicial overhaul clashed across Israel’s major cities.

Among thousands of pro-overhaul protesters in Jerusalem were dozens of members of the extremist right-wing La Familia group, who were filmed attacking several Arabs, police said.

In one incident, police said an Arab taxi driver was surrounded by protesters who hurled objects at his vehicle and banged on his window.

The driver tried to flee via a nearby gas station, but was then “savagely attacked by the rioters who chased him and caused heavy damage to his car,” police said in a statement.

US hails Netanyahu’s delay to reforms

08:30 , Liam James

The US welcomes the decision on Monday by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay a decision on plans for a judicial overhaul until next month, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said.

The administration is urging Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible, Ms Jean-Pierre said.

“We welcome this announcement as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise,” she said. “A compromise is precisely what we have been calling for.”

“Democratic societies are strengthened by checks and balances, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support,” she added.

Israeli president calls for ‘immediate negotiations on Netanyahu’s reforms

07:57 , Liam James

Israel’s president Isaac Herzog has urged prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition party leaders to start an “immediate negotiation process” on judicial reform after Mr Netanyahu delayed his plans to hand the government greater power over the courts, The Times of Israel reports this morning.

In calls with Mr Yetanyahu and Yair Lapid, chair of main opposition party Yesh Atid, and Benny Gantz, Blue and White coalition leader, the president requested each side set up negotiation teams so talks could begin quickly.

Mr Gantz soon after announced that he had asked Knesset members Gideon Sa’ar, Chili Tropper, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, and Ronen Aviani, a lawyer, with leading the talks on behalf of his party, The Times reported.

How Netanyahu judicial plan sparked massive unrest in Israel

07:00 , Namita Singh

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul has unleashed the most intense social unrest in Israel in decades.

Tens of thousands of people have repeatedly taken to the streets against the plan – including spontaneous mass demonstrations that erupted across the country late on Sunday after he fired his defence minister for questioning the overhaul.

Here is a look at how Israel has been plunged into its most serious domestic crisis in decades.

How Netanyahu judicial plan sparked massive unrest in Israel

UK welcomes Netanyahu’s ‘pause’ to Israel’s controversial judicial overhaul

06:45 , Namita Singh

Britain has welcomed Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s delay to his judicial overhaul that has sparked mass protests.Foreign secretary James Cleverly urged him to seek a “long-term compromise” with his critics over the widely-criticised plan.

Mr Netanyahu announced the delay to the proposals from Israel’s most right-wing government in history by saying he wanted to “avoid civil war through dialogue”.

His proposed legislation would have protected him from being deemed unfit to rule, which critics say will shield Mr Netanyahu from his corruption trial.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak stressed the importance of upholding “democratic values” to Mr Netanyahu as they met in Downing Street last week.

On Monday Mr Cleverly said: “The UK welcomes the decision today by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause legislation to reform Israel’s judiciary.

“The UK enjoys a deep and historic relationship with Israel. As the prime minister stressed in his meeting with PM Netanyahu last week, it is vital that the shared democratic values that underpin that relationship are upheld, and a robust system of checks and balances are preserved.

“We urge all parties to find common ground and seek a long-term compromise to this sensitive issue.”

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

06:30 , Namita Singh

Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Israel in a unified show of strength in protest against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Since the start of 2023, weekly protests have been held in opposition to Mr Netanyahu’s controversial plans to overhaul the judiciary.

Protesters have called on the reforms to be scrapped and for the prime minister to resign. On Sunday, however, Mr Netanyahu fired his defence minister after the former army general echoed the protesters’ calls to bring proposed reforms to a halt, prompting international concern.

But how does this affect travel to Israel? Here’s everything you need to know.

Is it safe to travel to Israel? Latest travel news

Watch: Israeli protesters light fire and block highway as Netanyahu sacks minister

06:15 , Namita Singh

Netanyahu still set to attend ‘Summit for Democracy,’ White House says

06:00 , Namita Singh

The White House says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still set to attend this week’s second “Summit for Democracy” convened by the Biden administration despite widespread protests over proposed legislation that critics say would undermine Israel’s independent judiciary.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Monday that Israel remains one of the 121 nations invited to participate in the summit, which will take place virtually and be hosted by the White House on Wednesday.

My colleague Andrew Feinberg reports:

Israel’s Netanyahu still set to attend ‘Summit for Democracy,’ White House says

The fallout from the Israel protests will be felt for years to come

05:45 , Namita Singh

The ‘reforms’ proposed by the hard-right coalition strike at the independence of the judiciary – and take away legal checks and balances on political actions, writes our world affairs editor Kim Sengupta.

The fallout from the Israel protests will be felt for years to come | Kim Sengupta

Voices: Israelis are reminding us that protests can work – but they’re not a cure-all

05:30 , Namita Singh

History shows that while popular demonstrations can affect change, there is often a backlash, writes ^{Noah Berlatsky.}

Israelis are reminding us that protests can work – but they’re not a cure-all

Can I travel to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv?

05:00 , Martha Mchardy

The FCDO current advises against all travel to the following areas only:

• Gaza

• the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar

• within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and and within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’)

It advises against all but essential travel to:

• areas north of and including Jenin city, Burqin and Arranah in the north of the West Bank. This includes Jenin refugee camp and all areas north of this until the Jalamah checkpoint for access to Israel

• the city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus and the village of Huwara, south of Nablus

While the FCDO does not explicitly advise against travel to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, current advice states it is aware of “a shooting incident in central Tel Aviv. If you’re in the immediate area you should take care and follow the advice of the local authorities.”

It adds: “In Israel and the West Bank, there is a risk of violent incidents, including stabbings, shootings, arson, vehicle rammings and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles.

“These incidents have involved protestors (both Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces, and civilians (including Israeli settlers). There is a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any of these types of incident.”

What is the current UK government advice on travelling to Israel?

04:00 , Martha Mchardy

Current guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises potential travellers to check with their travel company or airline for an update before travelling.

“In Israel, strikes were called on 27 March which will impact airports, ports, transport systems, hospitals and other sectors,” it reads.

“There have also been large political demonstrations across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which have the potential to escalate and become violent.

“You should check the local news before travelling to see if there have been recent clashes, be vigilant, avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations, avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence and follow the instructions of the local authorities.

“If you are in a location where an Israeli security operation or armed clashes are ongoing, you should stay inside and wait for the local authorities to confirm that the situation is calm before moving to a different location.”

What effect could the judicial overview have outside Israel?

03:00 , Martha Mchardy

While the battle may seem like an internal Israeli matter, its outcome could have important repercussions for the region and beyond.

Netanyahu’s coalition allies are dominated by religious and nationalist hardliners who oppose Palestinian statehood and have close ties to the West Bank settlement movement. A weaker court system could clear the way for more aggressive settlement construction and even annexation of West Bank lands.

That could lead to further friction with the Palestinians, who seek the Israeli-occupied West Bank as part of a future independent state, as well as with Israel’s Western allies, who have voiced concerns about the overhaul and criticized the comments of some of his partners.

Israeli soldiers could also be more susceptible to war crimes prosecution in the Hague. One of Israel’s key defences has been that it has an independent judiciary capable of investigating and prosecuting wrongdoing by troops. A weakened judiciary could rob Israel of that defence.

Israel’s high-tech industry, the engine of the country’s economy, could also be affected. International agencies have already said they might lower Israel’s debt rating if the overhaul passes since the agencies consider a strong judiciary crucial to ensuring a good business climate.

A lower rating could make investors hesitant to do business in Israel and potentially lead companies with operations in Israel, including the world’s leading tech giants, to scale back their presence.

Israel protests: Where do we go from here?

02:00 , Martha Mchardy

The pause Netanyahu declared could help ease the tensions and buy him some time to find a compromise. But it also runs the risk of angering his far-right coalition partners — potentially threatening the stability of his government and risking the possibility of new elections.Any new election would once again likely focus again on Netanyahu’s suitability to govern while he faces serious legal problems.

What was the significance of the general strike?

01:00 , Martha Mchardy

Israel’s largest trade union is one of the most powerful institutions in the country, representing nearly 800,000 people across sectors that include health care, banking, government services, day-care and transportation.While the union has crippled parts of the economy in past labour disputes over the years, never before has it gone on strike to protest a political matter.

The decision was felt almost immediately. Israel’s main international airport cancelled all outgoing flights, stranding more than 70,000 travelers. Doctors and day care workers said they would stay off the job, and others were expected to join as well.The economy already has been hit by the protests, with the shekel currency tumbling in value in recent weeks. A protracted strike could have meant longer-lasting and deeper damage.

ICYMI: Israel protests in pictures

Tuesday 28 March 2023 00:00 , Martha Mchardy

What fuelled the latest protests?

Monday 27 March 2023 23:00 , Martha Mchardy

Israel has experienced nearly three months of mass protests since Netanyahu’s confidant, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, unveiled the overhaul in January.But the eruption of anger over Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s dismissal, organized quickly largely via the WhatsApp messaging app, was startling. In roughly one hour, tens of thousands of people blocked Tel Aviv’s main highway, and thousands more demonstrated outside Netanyahu’s Jerusalem home.

Gallant was the first Cabinet minister to break ranks and publicly call for a delay in the overhaul. With morale down and soldiers threatening not to report for duty, Gallant said that pushing ahead could hurt Israel’s military readiness.In security-obsessed Israel, Gallant, a gruff retired general, is among the most respected members of the new Cabinet. By attacking the man responsible for national security, Netanyahu may have crossed a red line — and unwittingly united this deeply polarized country by touching upon national security, one of the few areas of consensus.

What are the judicial reforms?

Monday 27 March 2023 22:00 , Martha Mchardy

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul unleashed the most intense social unrest in Israel in decades before he announced that he would delay the plan.

The changes would give the governing coalition control over judicial appointments and weaken the country’s Supreme Court by granting parliament the authority to overturn its decisions and limiting judicial review of laws.

Opponents say the overhaul would upend the country’s delicate system of checks and balances by giving Netanyahu’s ruling coalition control over what is now an independent judiciary. They also say Netanyahu has a deep conflict of interest in trying to reshape the legal system while on trial.The government says the legal changes are necessary to streamline governance in the face of an interventionist judiciary.

Tel Aviv police use stun grenades to disperse protestors, according to reports

Monday 27 March 2023 21:58 , Martha Mchardy

Police are using stun grenades to dissuade anti-government protesters from breaching barriers to reach the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, according to The Times of Israel.

Police officers are also trying to disperse right-wing protesters blocking Menachem Begin Boulevard in Jerusalem, who are protesting against the juducial overhaul reforms being delayed.

Footage shows protesters setting a fire on the road and adding items like car tires.

Police in Tel Aviv use water cannon against demonstrators

Monday 27 March 2023 21:25 , Martha Mchardy

Police in Tel Aviv have used a water cannon against demonstrators who have taken to the streets again, despite a promise from the Prime Minister to pause his controversial judiciary reforms.

Israel protests: How did we get here?

Monday 27 March 2023 21:00 , Martha Mchardy

Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption in three separate cases, has been at the center of political turmoil that has plagued the country since 2019.After he was indicted, Netanyahu’s former governing partners turned on him, and he was unable to form a stable, lasting coalition. That led to a protracted political crisis that sent Israelis to the polls five times in less than four years.

After an 18-month political exile as opposition leader, Netanyahu returned to power late last year in a coalition with ultra-Orthodox and ultranationalist allies, forming the country’s most right-wing government ever. He denies wrongdoing in the corruption cases.

After taking power, key figures in Netanyahu’s Likud Party along with his governing partners pledged to quickly overhaul the country’s judicial system, which critics say is driven by a desire to push their ideological agendas with less judicial oversight.

Protests set to continue despite delay to judicial overhaul

Monday 27 March 2023 20:38 , Martha Mchardy

Some protest leaders say the protests are set to continue in Israel after prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would delay controversial judicial reforms until next month.

Protests leaders say action will continue because the overhaul vote would only be delayed, not shelved.

“As long as the legislation continues and is not shelved, we will be on the streets,” said Dr. Shikma Bressler, one of the main leaders of the protest movement.

Dr Bressler said Netanyahu and his coalition colleagues are clearly determined to press ahead with their “dictatorship laws” in the next Knesset session, a month from now, Times of Israel reported.

“The statements of the prime minister and his extremist partners are an admission of their intention to bring the dictatorship laws back to the table in the next parliamentary session, harming the economy and the security of the country,” she said.

White House welcomes Netanyahu delay in judicial overhaul and urges compromise

Monday 27 March 2023 20:08 , Martha Mchardy

The United States has welcomed the decision by by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay a decision on divisive plans for a judicial overhaul until next month, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Netanyahu on Monday delayed a decision on bitterly contested plans for a judicial overhaul until next month amid fears that the country’s worst national crisis in years could fracture his coalition or escalate into violence.

“We welcome this announcement as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise. A compromise is precisely what we have been calling for. And we continue to strongly urge Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible,” Jean-Pierre said.

The United States remains concerned about the situation in Israel and President Joe Biden has shared his concerns about a proposed judicial overhaul directly with Netanyahu, the White House said on Monday.

“We remain concerned by the recent developments,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters, calling for compromise.

Kirby noted that Israel had been invited to a U.S.-organized Summit for Democracy later this week.

Kirby said Biden has been “very forthright” with Netanyahu about his concerns. Asked if Biden was worried that Israel would devolve into civil war, Kirby said he was not.

He said U.S. concerns about the judicial reform legislation were that it would “fly in the face” of the principle of having checks and balances in government.

“All of that concern comes from ... a place of respect and friendship and admiration for the Israeli people, for Israel as a country and for Israel’s democracy,” Kirby said.

In pictures: Israel protests

Monday 27 March 2023 20:00 , Martha Mchardy

Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu defends 'democratic' new judiciary reform

Monday 27 March 2023 19:40 , Martha Mchardy

Why are there protests in Israel?

Monday 27 March 2023 19:20 , Martha Mchardy

Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Israel evening to protest against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial reforms to the country’s judicial system.

Chanting “the country is on fire”, demonstrators gathered outside Mr Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem on Sunday evening to demand the draft legislation be withdrawn, only to be dispersed by police water cannons. Bonfires were meanwhile lit along Tel Aviv’s biggest motorway, forcing road closures and causing traffic mayhem.

On Monday, the protests continued, while Israel’s largest union, Histadrut, which represents 700,000 workers across a huge variety of professions, called for an immediate general strike. Universities have closed their doors “until further notice” and flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport have been grounded, as pressure grows to halt the legislation.

Joe Sommerlad reports:

Why are there protests in Israel?

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Monday 27 March 2023 19:00 , Martha Mchardy

At the time of writing, all flights leaving Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary aviation hub, have been suspended until further notice due to widespread strikes announced by the Worker’s Union.

Flights that are already in the air will be the only ones permitted to land, it has been reported.

Despite this, passengers continued the check-in process without knowing if their flights would depart.

The live departures board shows flights scheduled to leave later in the day, but these are not expected to go ahead.

A spokesperson for the Worker’s Union said that if Mr Netanyahu stops the judicial reform legislation, flights will return to normal, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Read more here:

Is it safe to travel to Israel? Latest travel news

UK welcomes Netanyahu's decision to pause judicial overhaul

Monday 27 March 2023 18:57 , Martha Mchardy

British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly welcomed Israel’s decision to pause legislation to reform its judiciary, as he emphasised the importance of “a robust system of checks and balances.”

“The UK welcomes the decision today by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause legislation to reform Israel’s judiciary,” Cleverly said in a statement after Netanyahu delayed the decision until next month amid widespread protests.

“It is vital that the shared democratic values that underpin that (UK-Israel) relationship are upheld, and a robust system of checks and balances are preserved.”

Israeli labour union calls off nationwide strike after judicial overhaul delayed

Monday 27 March 2023 18:44 , Martha Mchardy

Israel’s main labour union called off a nationwide strike after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would delay his judicial overhaul plan to the next parliamentary session.

“The strike that I announced this morning will end,” said Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut labour federation, on Monday, praising Netanyahu for the move and offering help in forming a reform with mutual agreement.

Benjamin Netanyahu decries ‘extremist minority ready to divide our nation'

Monday 27 March 2023 18:42 , Martha Mchardy

Israeli PM Netanyahu decried what he called an “extremist minority ready to divide our nation,” in an address to the nation today.

Mr Netanyahu said he is “not ready to divide the nation in pieces” amid mass protests over a planned judicial overhaul.

Israeli PM Netanyahu says delaying judicial overhaul to reach broad consensus

Monday 27 March 2023 18:33 , Martha Mchardy

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he would delay his flagship judicial reform to the next parliamentary session.

“From a will to prevent the rift in the nation, I have decided to delay the second and third reading in order to reach a broad consensus,” he said in a prime time televised address delivered after some of the biggest street protests in the country’s history.

Israeli PM Netanyahu: ‘I will turn over every stone to find a solution'

Monday 27 March 2023 18:24 , Martha Mchardy

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he will “turn over every stone to find a solution” to the protests over a planned judicial overhaul, in an address to the nation.

Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.

Israeli PM Netanyahu: ‘We are at a dangerous cross roads’

Monday 27 March 2023 18:22 , Martha Mchardy

The country is at a “dangerous cross roads”, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address to the nation.

Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.

Government will delay the second and third readings of justice bill

Monday 27 March 2023 18:20 , Martha Mchardy

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says his government will delay the second and third readings of the justice bill following a parliamentary session.

He adds that the delay comes from a will to reach a broad consensus.

Israeli PM Netanyahu: ‘I’m not ready to divide the nation in pieces’

Monday 27 March 2023 18:18 , Martha Mchardy

“I’m not ready to divide the nation in pieces,” Israeli Benjamin PM Netanyahu said in an address to the nation.

Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.

Benjamin Netanyahu addresses nation

Monday 27 March 2023 18:14 , Martha McHardy

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has started speaking.

Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.