In response to fierce debate over Israel’s planned judicial reforms, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for unity and reconciliation in a televised address on Thursday evening. At the same time, he emphasizes that his government will continue to implement that controversial decision.
“The best way to achieve a balanced reform and prevent a split of the nation is through consultation to find the broadest possible consensus,” Netanyahu said. He says he is ready to listen to the criticisms of the project’s opponents. But the reform plans must go ahead as planned, the prime minister says. On Monday, parliament will vote in a final reading on one of the core elements of the reform.
Netanyahu had already arranged a meeting with Defense Minister Joav Galant on Thursday. According to reports in the Israeli media, Galant advocated an end to the reform plans and even threatened to resign. A spokesman for the minister says only that Galant has informed the prime minister about the consequences the reform would have for the army. An announced speech by Galant was cancelled.
Separation of powers in danger
In Israel, protests have been raging for several months against the planned erosion of justice. The Netanyahu government wants to give parliament the ability to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority. The reform would also give politicians more say in the appointment of judges. Critics see the separation of powers in jeopardy.
On Thursday, a controversial law was approved in the Israeli parliament that makes it a lot more difficult to have a prime minister declared incompetent and removed from office. The law seems to suit Prime Minister Netanyahu. A corruption trial has been underway against the 73-year-old prime minister for some time.
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.