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Protesters break into Knesset as fiery debate on judicial overhaul begins

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Published: 21 February 2023

Last updated: 5 March 2024

Crowd estimated at 70,000 masses outside the Knesset, chanting "de-mo-cra-cy" as first debate unfolds.

Protesters attempt to break into Knesset as debate begins (Jerusalem Post)
Some 60,000 people protested outside the Knesset in Jerusalem; Yesh Atid MK compares government to Nazis

Yesh Atid MK Ram Ben Barak said in his speech in the Knesset plenum that "the Nazis came to power in a democratic way in Germany as well," during the debate ahead of the first  vote on the judicial reforms.

PM Benjamin Netanyahu condemned his remarks, saying: "The opposition has gone off the rails: Ram Ben Barak shamefully and scandalously compares the Israeli government to the Nazis."

Tens of thousands rally near Knesset ahead of 1st plenum vote on judicial overhaul (Times of Israel)
Protesters block roads around the country; opposition leaders say they won’t negotiate while coalition refuses to pause legislative process

Masses gathered outside parliament waving blue and white flags and chanting “De-mo-cra-cy” as they demanded the government halt its efforts to remove most judicial oversight on legislation and assert full political control over judge selection.

According to a crowd analyst for Channel 13 who analysed camera footage, over 70,000 people took part in the demonstration outside the Knesset.

Lawmakers Discuss Key Judicial Overhaul Bills in Stormy Knesset Session, Thousands Protest in Jerusalem (Haaretz)

Photo: Protesters being restrained inside the Knesset (Emil Salman)

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