Netanyahu tells protesters he won't accept 'anarchy'

2023-03-19 16:23:50 / KOSOVA & BOTA ALFA PRESS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that violence and anarchy will not be tolerated in the country he leads.

Netanyahu made these statements as mass protests - now in their 11th week - against his government's controversial reforms continue.

"We will not accept anarchy," Netanyahu said in a meeting before the government cabinet.

"They are calling for the blocking of highways, for rejection, for blood in the streets, and for attacks against public figures. We will not accept this. We will not accept violence from any side."

On Saturday, local media estimated that at least 250,000 people took to the streets to protest the right-wing government's plans.

These are considered some of the largest protests in Israel's history.

According to critics, Netanyahu's plans are not democratic.

It includes the decision to allow parliament to overturn Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority.

In addition, politicians are expected to have more influence in the appointment of judges.

Critics fear the reforms will allow Netanyahu to escape conviction in a corruption trial.

Netanyahu rejected a proposal by President Isaac Herzog for a compromise.

He said that the proposal was not balanced, and that it would only cement the current situation.

The opposition, on the other hand, supported the proposal.

Finally, there are opposition voices even from within the Government.

Lawmaker David Bitan, from Netanyahu's Likud party, has called for the suspension of the reform, stressing that the prime minister possesses such power./REL