Why are Israelis demonstrating for "Democracy"?

Israelis demonstrate with flags on bridges

 
Israelis are starting to regret the last elections. Much like when Trump took over in the US. The last elections Netanyahu (Bibi) won a small majority with a right-wing coalition. The conservatives and religious parties want their say. Taking a page from Trump's playbook, the religious are moving fast with new laws and actions. One of the laws in play is the supreme court's ability to reverse laws as "unconstitutional". But Israel does not have a constitution. There are "foundation" laws which define basic rights which the courts use to decide if a new law is "constitutional". The new coalition wants to limit the supreme court's power. Most liberal citizens see a dangerous change in how government will pass laws and even enforce them. 

The pink elephant in the room is a few top politicians' ability to govern. The supreme court already blocked Ariye Derry's ministerial appointment. A twice convicted felon, he signed an agreement not to run or take office as a parliament member or appointed official. Liberal writers assumed he would ignore the court's decision and thought Bibi would keep Derry in office. Bibi and Derry did not ignore the court. Derry did not take the minister's office. But if new laws give the government a way to ignore the court, this will change. The other issue is Bibi's ongoing legal battles. He is accused in three cases of taking bribes and not acting in the state's best interest. If it was up to the courts, Bibi could not take the prime minister's office while the cases are undecided. The right-wind supporters he is still innocent (not proven guilty yet). The liberals are crying foul. 

The issue of who decides what the government can do is hot right now. The country will go ultra right-wing or middle of the road. Only time will tell. But don't expect riots and flames on Tel Aviv streets. Issues with the security and the Palestinians are also part of this debate. This is a sad point and shows how extreme government positions are getting Israel into a place they do not like to be.