Tens of thousands march, block roads across country in protests against judicial overhaul

9 March 2023, 10:37 am

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Israelis sign a copy of the Declaration of Independence at a protest against the government's controversial judicial reform bill in Tel Aviv on March 9, 2023. (JACK GUEZ / AFP)

Tens of thousands of protesters march against the judicial overhaul at rallies across the country.

A number of major interchanges are blocked and there have been at least 10 people detained by police so far.

In addition, naval reservists have blockaded Haifa Port, preventing movement of marine traffic in the area.

Demonstrators have also gathered as part of the “day of resistance” at Tel Aviv’s central Habima Square, where they have signed a copy of the Israeli Declaration of Independence.

Critics have said the coalition’s proposals will weaken Israel’s democratic character, remove a key element of its checks and balances and leave minorities unprotected. Supporters call it a much-needed reform to rein in an activist court.