In the name of greater democracy, Netanyahu and his coalition allies continue to promote a reform of Israel’s judicial system.

Over the past two weeks, more and more groups within local society have voiced their opposition to the plans.

Whether it be the Chief Justice herself, Esther Hayut, or representatives of the legal profession or other former senior judges, none have found a good word for the proposals. It is also significant to note that the government has not brought any justification for its policies from any other legal sources at all, let alone anyone of consequence. All the Minister of Justice, Yariv Levin, has been able to do is bully his critics, verbally.

Then there is the position of the Attorney General, who has been a target of Netanyahu and his allies ever since she took office around a year ago. Gali Baharav-Miara was cited on the TV news channels for considering if Netanyahu is allowed to take part in the reform proposals, as he himself is currently facing three separate charges in the courts.

More bullying and threats immediately followed from the Likud troopers. The lady was forced to issue a hasty denial that any such talks had ever taken place. Why should she be treated this way?

Then came the turn of the Governor of the Bank of Israel. He has just returned from Davos, where apparently many a worried investor warned him that such reforms would severely weaken Israel’s position in the international financial community. Silly silly Professor Yaron. As already reported in the Hebrew press, according to Likud politicians, the man has overstepped his position (for acting responsibly?).

And I could go on.

The message: Attack Bibi or attack the policies of the Likud and you will be personally abused. You follow the party line or get dumped on.

As a sideline, it is interesting to note that the number of violent acts recorded against members of the medical profession, teachers and on the road have risen significantly over the past year or so. Just saying!

Enter the high-tech community. About 15% of the workforce. About 40% of the exports of the country. And bitterly concerned that the overseas community, responsible for financing the ‘Start-Up Nation’ concept for decades, will be frightened away by the reforms and other socially conservative proposals.

One of the core principles of the Israeli high-tech community is diversity – people of different religions, sexes, abilities and political persuasions share opinions to create amazing technologies. Criticism is welcomed, not swotted away. This approach to life – this success – is now under direct threat.

Yes; the owners of many of Israel’s leading tech companies allowed their workers time off to protest on Tuesday.

For the record, Nir Barkat, is currently the Minister of Economics. He is independently wealthy due to an exit some years back. Popular within the party, his voice has been heard through its silence in recent weeks.

But democracy is democracy. And therefore, Netanyahu and his supporters are right, no?

There are 120 members of The Kenesset, the Israeli Parliament. 64 are part of the government.

Of the 64, 32 are aligned to the Likud, ostensibly a liberal-looking right wing grouping. Many of its members are religiously observant, although that is difficult to claim of the Netanyahu family. The remaining 32 come from various religious groupings, which deep-down proclaim that the country should be governed according to the laws of the Bible.

In other words, at least half of Bibi’s government does not care over much about democracy!

So when Bibi says it is all in the name of democracy, does that contradict the 9th Commandment in the Bible, the one about lying?