Netanyahu Denounces ‘Deep State’ in Knesset Tirade, Claims Democracy Safe as Thousands Protest Judicial Bill
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – “Israel is and will remain a democracy,” Prime Minister Netanyahu told opposition lawmakers Wednesday, rejecting claims his government is eroding the rule of law. Meanwhile, thousands protested outside the Knesset as lawmakers moved toward final votes on a contentious judicial bill.
The bill, which alters the makeup of the judicial selection committee, has sparked fierce opposition, with critics warning it threatens Israel’s democracy. It follows backlash over Netanyahu’s decision to resume fighting in Gaza and efforts to oust the Shin Bet chief and attorney general.
“Democracy isn’t in danger; the rule of bureaucrats is in danger. The deep state is in danger,” Netanyahu insisted, criticizing a “small coterie of officials” he claimed are undermining the elected government.
Netanyahu has increasingly echoed U.S.-style rhetoric, claiming a “deep state” is working to undermine him. “In a democracy the people are sovereign, and the people demand that its free vote… be practically carried out,” he said, adding that while government power isn’t “unlimited,” it “cannot be that the government has zero power… There must be a balance between the branches of government.”
Netanyahu’s speech came just before the final Knesset vote on a bill boosting political control over judicial appointments.
Netanyahu has also faced backlash for trying to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who claims it’s part of a broader effort by the government to place itself above the law and eliminate checks and balances.
The proposed legislation would replace the Israel Bar Association’s two seats on the nine-member Judicial Selection Committee with one lawyer chosen by the coalition and one by the opposition.
Thousands Protest Government
Meanwhile, thousands marched through Jerusalem on Wednesday, passing the Supreme Court and rallying outside the Knesset in ongoing protests against the government. Some blocked Route 1, lighting flares at the city’s entrance.
“The government has declared war on the Israeli people,” protesters said, urging lawmakers to “join us in the streets and open offices with us in the street,” symbolizing their belief that the Knesset no longer represents the people.
Addressing the crowd, opposition Yesh Atid MK Meirav Cohen slammed Netanyahu as “the best thing that has ever happened” to Israel’s enemies.
“Is this what Israel needs now?” she asked, referencing the judicial overhaul. “We have hostages in tunnels, soldiers risking their lives, reservists called up again and again — and Netanyahu is focused on seizing control of the judicial system and dividing the nation when unity is crucial.”
“To tell the truth, Netanyahu is the best thing that has ever happened to our enemies,” she repeated. “He is the gift that keeps on giving. He has given cash to terrorists, weakened moderates, and, worst of all — torn apart Israeli society and brought forth the [October 7] attack on us.”
Referring to Netanyahu’s apparent attempts to follow former U.S. President Donald Trump’s strategy of appointing loyalists, Cohen warned: “Israel is not the US, and you are not Trump.”
Last week, Netanyahu posted on X, “In America and in Israel, when a strong right-wing leader wins an election, the leftist Deep State weaponizes the justice system to thwart the people’s will. They won’t win in either place! We stand strong together.”
Responding to public outrage, Netanyahu accused opposition lawmakers in the Knesset on Wednesday of “sowing anarchy in the streets.”
He said protests had crossed the line, stating, “We see your demonstrations, your roadblocks, your bonfires, your attacks on police officers… the violence against elected officials, not to mention the explicit threats of murder against the prime minister and his family and other elected officials.”
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