Among the pro-reform protesters gathered on Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street is Galit, 56, from Jaffa, who carries a sign that reads, “Protect me from the High Court of Justice.”
She explains that “the dictatorship today is 15 unelected people,” referring to the Supreme Court justices, “who decide for me.”
Galit blames the High Court for the 2004 terror attack that claimed the lives of the Hatuel family in the former Gush Katif settlement bloc in Gaza. Referring to court orders preventing the destruction of homes used by terrorists that a former Likud justice minister tied to the attack, she says: “There are things that the High Court doesn’t need to get involved with.”
Galit declines to share her last name, saying she is afraid of retribution from people who do not agree with her political view.
“I have a business in Tel Aviv to think of,” she says.
Highlighting her point, Galit is interrupted by an older woman passing by who asks her, “Why do you think you need to be protected from the High Court?” in reference to her sign.
The two women then start chanting, “Shame” at each other.
They are quickly drowned out by the broader crowd, which erupts with chants of “The nation demands judicial reform!”
Organizers assert turnout of 200,000. According to Channel 13 news and the Kan public broadcaster, some 50,000 people are rallying there, a similar figure to the number of anti-overhaul protesters demonstrating in Jerusalem, while Channel 12 news says there are 100,000.
Other demonstrators’ signs read: “Bibi, without the reform, there’s no right wing,” and “Protect the IDF — enough with military refusers!”
Right-wing demonstrators hold a protest in support of the judicial overhaul, at Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street, on July 23, 2023. (Jack Guez/AFP)
“I bet media studios say there are only tens of thousands. We’re used to that fake,” Transportation Minister Miri Regev of the ruling Likud party tells the crowd.
She also claims the judicial overhaul is part of a process to combat discrimination against Mizrahi Jews.
“Cut the bullshit,” she shouts in English.
“Let’s tell the truth: They’re dealing with maintaining their place, their elitism. And we are dealing with diversity,” she says, attacking anti-overhaul critics.
People like former prime minister Ehud Barak, who she says are encouraging refusal to serve and civil revolt, should be arrested. “Why is Barak not under arrest?” Regev demands. “Whoever refuses an order should be in jail. Pilots are no different.”
A large number of protesters are visibly religious, with many saying they were bused into Tel Aviv from West Bank settlements.
A group of yeshiva students sit on Kaplan Street, settling in with cups of coffee they are preparing on camping burners.
Malkieli, 21, from the West Bank settlement of Yakir, says it was important for him to come to the rally to make his perspective heard.
“This whole story began because some people are more equal than others. Because I live in Samaria, my words don’t matter. They can cancel what I think,” Malkieli says, using a biblical term for part of the West Bank.
“We’re here to express that,” he adds, gesturing to the group of fellow yeshiva students who traveled with him on the bus from Kiryat Arba.
Malikieli also declines to share his last name or show his face, saying that he is “afraid.”
“There are some not good voices right now. I’m worried they’ll twist my words.”
