Israeli anti-government protesters have called for another "day of disruption" as the government goes ahead with justice reform plans. The new legislation could be adopted before the parliamentary summer break.
For 28 weeks, many Israelis have been taking to the streets in protest at the government's planned overhaul of the country's justice system.
Now, another crucial moment has arrived, says Noa Gur-Arieh. The young family physician was among thousands who demonstrated at Ben Gurion Airport last Tuesday, chanting "democratia" and waving Israeli flags on another "day of disruption."
He was referring to the passing in a first vote last week of a draft bill that advances the government's judicial overhaul plan.
"This is pretty much our last chance. There will be no boundaries to what a government can or cannot do," Gur-Arieh told DW. The bill would, among other things, abolish the Supreme Court's ability to apply the legal standard of reasonableness, which has been a tool that ensures judicial oversight of government decisions that the court deems unreasonable or implausible.
While the legislation needs to pass two more readings before it becomes law, the final votes are expected to be scheduled before the parliament breaks up for the summer recess at the end of July.
That is why protesters have vowed to step up their actions. This Tuesday, another nationwide "day of disruption" will see more protests in the days leading up to the final votes, which are expected in the Knesset plenum next week.
So far, protests have been held outside ministers' homes and blocked highways and junctions, in addition to large rallies held in cities throughout the country.
With their trust in the government almost at nil, protesters say they highly doubt that it will listen to their concerns.