General strike in Israel, Netanyahu under pressure to freeze judicial overhaul
Spontaneous rallies have been taking place across Israel since Sunday night, including some violent confrontations with police, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Israel’s largest labor union announced on Monday a general strike over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul, as flights were disrupted, universities and shopping malls closed. The move that cripples a large part of the Israeli economy comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly expected to announce Monday afternoon or evening the suspension of the legislative process of the controversial plan.
Israel's public broadcaster KAN, Ynet news and other Israeli outlets reported Monday morning that Netanyahu is considering the announcement to freeze the plan, and made that clear during a meeting with his cabinet ministers. The judicial overhaul plan has drawn Israel into a wave of unprecedented protests since December. The plan would undermine the power of the High Court and give the government the power to appoint judges.
A majority of public sectors have gone on strike on Monday. Hospitals are operating on emergency mode, receiving only urgent cases. Most municipal services are striking, though the municipality of the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak said it will work normally.
The banks are waiting for authorization from the banking authority to join the strike. Israeli missions abroad are also striking, apart from security personal. Israel's electricity company is striking, offering minimal service. Public transportation is not included in the call of the union workers for a strike, to enable protesters to easily reach all demonstration locations.
