The Israeli embassies along with the diplomatic missions worldwide were shut down on March 27, 2023, following the continuous protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan. The plan aimed to curtail the power of Israel's judiciary and has been met with widespread opposition and demonstrations in Israel.
The Histadrut labor federation declared a nationwide strike in Israel, which led to a letter stating that Foreign Ministry activities in the country and abroad would be limited to emergency services. This resulted in the closure of Israeli embassies and consulates across the world, including in India, where the Israel embassy in Delhi was instructed to remain closed and provide no consular services until further notice.
In Israel, anti-government protests have been ongoing for several weeks, with demonstrators opposing Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan, which they claim threatens the country's democracy and the rule of law. Some lawmakers in Netanyahu's coalition even called on their supporters to turn out opposite parliament in Jerusalem as well, intensifying the protests.
The closure of Israeli embassies and consulates has left many Israeli citizens stranded and unable to access essential services, such as passport renewal or visa applications. Businesses that rely on Israeli diplomatic support have also been affected, with many reporting delays and disruptions to their operations.
The closure of the embassies and diplomatic missions is a result of the ongoing political turmoil in Israel, with the opposition to Netanyahu's plan for judicial overhaul increasing. The plan has been met with criticism from various quarters, including Israel's President Isaac Herzog, who appealed to Netanyahu to immediately halt the plan, warning that it has put the country's economy, security, and society under threat.
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across Israel, protesting the judicial overhaul plan after Prime Minister Netanyahu fired Defence Minister Gallant. The situation in Israel remains tense, with the opposition and protesters demanding the halt of the legislative process immediately.
In conclusion, the shutdown of Israeli embassies and diplomatic missions worldwide is a result of ongoing protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan, which has been met with widespread opposition in Israel. The closure has left many Israeli citizens stranded, and businesses affected, and the situation remains tense.
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