A nationwide strike was launched by Israeli workers from a variety of sectors in Israel on Monday, threatening to disrupt the economy, as they joined a growing protest movement against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judiciary. Large mall chains, universities, and departing flights from the country’s main international airport were closed, and Israel’s largest trade union group called on its 800,000 members, who work in fields including health, transit, and banking, to stop work. The main doctors union also announced that its members would walk off the job, and local governments were expected to close the preschools they run and reduce other services. The overhaul was driven by Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, and his allies in Israel’s most right-wing government ever, and it has plunged Israel into one of its worst domestic crises. The move has sparked sustained protests that have galvanized nearly all sectors of society, including its military, where reservists have increasingly come out publicly to say they will not serve a country veering toward autocracy. At the heart of the crisis is Netanyahu himself, Israel’s longest-serving leader, and questions about the lengths he may be willing to go to maintain his grip on power, even as he battles charges of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate affairs.
The largest trade union in Israel is on strike to protest Netanyahu's efforts to overhaul the judiciary and undermine the fabric of the country's democracy. Over 700,000 workers are making their voices heard and there are reports that police are joining them. pic.twitter.com/dvZtkiejJ0
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) March 27, 2023
As Israel went into general strike (hospitals, banks, airport, hotels, schools, city halls are all closing) trains are riding as scheduled to Jerusalem with masses on their way to a big demonstration across the Knesset pic.twitter.com/v70NVZuxCS
— Tal Schneider טל שניידר تال شنايدر (@talschneider) March 27, 2023
CHAOS IN ISRAEL:
– Large protest in Israel – 700,000 people are actively protesting (growing).
– The IDF have raised their "alert" due to the loss of control within the country.
– General strike declared.
– PM Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Gallant. pic.twitter.com/LHAxxe5luG— Global: Military-Info (@Global_Mil_Info) March 26, 2023
