At Tel Aviv rally, Gantz says ‘ultimately the protests will block this judicial coup’

National Unity party leader Benny Gantz arrives at the demonstration on Tel Aviv’s Kaplan Street, where opponents of the judicial overhaul are rallying after the coalition’s “reasonableness” cleared its first reading last night.

“They are worried for the country and in light of this concern, they are here leading this fight,” Gantz says of the demonstrators. “I call on them to continue in this direction… ultimately the protests will block this judicial coup.”

Turning to police, Gantz urges officers to minimize force as much as possible.

“These are not enemies,” he says. “You don’t use this force on citizens.”

Gantz, a former defense minister and military chief, also comments on threats by reservists to stop volunteering if the legislation passes.

“These are the best people in the country, these are people who care about the country. I know that in an emergency, everyone will step up. I understand their protest. I think this whole issue of the protest must remain outside the army,” he says.