Israel protests – news: Far-right groups attack Arabs at pro-Netanyahu march

Protests still raged after Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul postponed

Israeli protesters light fire and block highway as Netanyahu sacks minister

Three arrests were made after far-right groups attacked Arabs during pro-government protests in Israel, as Benjamin Netanyahu delayed an incendiary power grab which would see politicians given a greater say in the courts.

Police said dozens of members of the extremist right-wing La Familia group were filmed attacking several Arabs in Jerusalem, in one case “savagely” beating a taxi driver and causing damage to his car.

Monday night saw clashes between opposing groups of protesters, who were out in their thousands on the streets of Israel’s major cities for a second night despite the prime minister’s attempt to diffuse the anger over his proposed judicial reform.

Mr Netanyahu in a prime-time speech on Monday night acknowledged the divisions roiling the nation and announced a monthlong delay for the legislation, saying he wanted “to avoid civil war” and seek a compromise with political opponents.

Opposition parties have started building teams to negotiate an alternative to the ruling right-wing coalition’s reforms, which would give Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nation’s judges, among other measures which critics say will weaken Israel’s system of checks and balances.

Key Points

• Netanyahu delays judicial reforms after mass action
• Far-right Israeli groups attack Arabs at pro-Netanyahu protests
• Protests set to continue despite delay
• Why are there protests in Israel?

[27 March 2023 18:22 · Martha Mchardy]

Israeli PM Netanyahu: ‘We are at a dangerous cross roads’

The country is at a “dangerous cross roads”, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address to the nation.

Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.

[27 March 2023 18:20 · Martha Mchardy]

Government will delay the second and third readings of justice bill

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says his government will delay the second and third readings of the justice bill following a parliamentary session.

He adds that the delay comes from a will to reach a broad consensus.

[27 March 2023 18:18 · Martha Mchardy]

Israeli PM Netanyahu: ‘I’m not ready to divide the nation in pieces’

“I’m not ready to divide the nation in pieces,” Israeli Benjamin PM Netanyahu said in an address to the nation.

Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.

[27 March 2023 18:14 · Martha McHardy]

Benjamin Netanyahu addresses nation

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has started speaking.

Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.