In a speech on Saturday evening, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called for the legislative process on judicial reform to be stopped and for negotiations to be held.
“Israel’s security is my goal in life. Even today, I am willing to take risks and pay the price. The threats around us are immense, whether near or far,” he said.
Mr Gallant said he had been speaking to military officials about reform plans over the past few weeks. “I worry about what I’m hearing,” he said. “I have never been confronted with such an intensity of anger and pain. The social division seeps into the army, which poses an immediate and palpable threat to the security of the state. I will not interfere there,” the minister continued .
“We need a change in the justice system, but major changes need to be made through dialogue. The legislative process must be stopped,” he added. Yoav Gallant calls for the “implementation of a unifying and participatory national process” that will “enhance the State of Israel and preserve the strength of the Tsahal.”
“We must stop the legislative process so that the people of Israel can celebrate Passover and Independence Day together and mourn Holocaust Memorial Day together. These are holy days for us. For our security, for our unity, it is our duty to return to the arena of dialogue, remembering that we are a fraternal people. God will give courage to his people, God will bless his people with peace,” he said. he concluded.
The reform, which is causing concern both at home and abroad, aims to increase the power of elected officials over judges. According to its critics, it endangers the democratic character of the State of Israel.