Massive protests in Tel Aviv against judicial overhaul

Tel Aviv, The Gulf Observer: Tens of thousands of demonstrators braved pouring rain Saturday night to gather at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square for protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government and its plans for sweeping changes to Israel’s justice system.

Police estimated some 80,000 people rallied in the square and surrounding streets, with many traveling to Tel Aviv from around the country on hired buses. Demonstrations were also held in Jerusalem and Haifa.

Many in the large crowd, which quickly overflowed the square, carried umbrellas, Israeli flags, and placards denouncing the coalition’s plans to shackle the judicial system. A few carried Palestinian flags. “Fighting for democracy,” declared a large banner at the rear of the elevated stage.

Despite police warnings of possible violence and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s call for police to crack down on any unrest, the demonstrations ended largely peacefully, with only a few sporadic clashes between protesters and cops.

Roads near Habima Square were shuttered throughout the rally, as police deployed in force in the city center to maintain order.