As Israel’s political system grapples with two major issues, a proposed national guard force under the command of Itamar Ben Gvir and a proposed overhaul of the judicial system, protests have erupted in the country with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets. The situation is causing unease among Palestinians as they fear their rights will be compromised.
Ultranationalist Proposal for National Guard Force
Ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has put forward a proposal to create an Israel National Guard with 2,000 service members who will answer directly to him. The proposed force will be tasked with tackling “nationalist crime,” terrorism and “restoring governance where needed.” Ben Gvir has previously talked about ending lawlessness in parts of the Negev and restoring governance in mixed Jewish-Arab cities such as Lod and Ramle.
However, civil rights groups have expressed their concern over the proposal, saying it could politicize policing and undermine equality in law enforcement. The Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) has pointed out that putting Ben Gvir in charge of the guard would create a two-tiered policing system in the country. Former Deputy Public Security Minister Yoav Segalovitz also criticized the notion of placing a national guard under the authority of Ben Gvir.
The resolution to establish the Israel National Guard will be considered by the cabinet as a committee is established to implement the establishment of the force and formalize its areas of operation. Legislation will be drawn up to anchor the authorities of the national guard in law.
Protests Over Proposed Judicial Overhaul
In addition to concerns over the creation of a national guard, Israelis are also protesting against a proposed overhaul of their judicial system that would give more power to parliament and therefore parties in power.
The Netanyahu government wants the Knesset to have more control over Israel’s judiciary, including changes to what laws the Supreme Court can rule on, how judges are selected, and giving parliament power to overturn Supreme Court decisions. The reform also includes an override clause, which would give parliament the power to pass laws previously ruled invalid by the court.
Critics say that the overhaul goes too far and would destroy the only available avenue providing checks and balances to the Israeli legislative branch. Allies of Israel, including the United States, have expressed concern about the overhaul. Palestinians in the occupied West Bank could be affected by the weakening of the judicial branch, limiting their ability to seek the court’s defense if they believe their rights are compromised by the government.
Intensifying Protests Against Both Proposals
Protesters are intensifying their demonstrations until both proposals are halted. The Israeli Labor Federation Histadrut called a “historic” general strike to heighten pressure on Netanyahu to halt his judicial overhaul. The Prime Minister has called for opposition politicians to meet him for negotiations but opposition leaders responded that they will do so only if the legislative process is halted.
While Netanyahu is backed into a corner between appeasing protesters and keeping his government intact, he has delayed a plan to weaken the judiciary, referring to the biblical story of King Solomon in his announcement. Supporters of the judicial overhaul had gathered in the streets before his announcement.
Ben Gvir’s Jewish Power party broke news of an agreement over delaying national guard force proposals causing anxiety amongst some Israelis who want reform but dislike Ben Gvir’s extremist politics. Saudi Arabia has approved a decision to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization despite US security concerns as Washington imposed new sanctions against six people, including two cousins of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for their role in producing or exporting captagon.
As protests continue in Israel, uncertainty clouds its political future as negotiations may not yield compromises that satisfy Israelis’ demands for change while maintaining their democracy’s integrity.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
