Dramatic appeal from the defense minister, a close ally of Netanyahu, demanding the rollback of controversial reform and denouncing divisions within the Israeli armed forces
2′ of reading
Yoav GallantIsrael’s defense minister has called for the controversial judiciary reform bill to be withdrawn on national security grounds.
The judicial reform bill “must be stopped immediately,” said Gallant, one of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s closest allies, in a speech to the nation. “We must rediscover national unity. Already – Gallant continued – there is one clear, imminent and concrete threat to our national security”.
Gallant, who agreed to pay “a personal price” for his ideas, demanded that the blocking of the law be accompanied by a blocking of demonstrations and the start of “a reconciliation dialogue between the parties”.
Even the army is divided
“Current events in Israeli society – Gallant said again – also affect the armed forces. From all sides come feelings of anger, pain and utter disappointment of an intensity I have never seen before. I see the source of our power eroding. As Israel’s defense minister, I say very clearly that the fractures taking place in our society permeate the army and other security institutions as well.”
The reform envisages a drastic reduction in the autonomy of the judiciary, which would be subordinate to that of the government.
New mass demonstrations
Mass demonstrations by civil society in Israel have been taking place every Saturday for months against this reform, demanding the withdrawal of the project. Hundreds of thousands of people across the country still took to the streets today.
Other Likud members are asking for a stop
Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter also urged the prime minister to immediately halt the judicial reform bill “at least until April 26, Independence Day.” Poet – former head of Shin Bet and one of the top leaders of the Likud – said: “There is no other way out.” Another key figure in Netanyahu’s party – former Knesset Speaker Yuli Gemstone – also echoed his call for an immediate halt to the Legislative process renewed.
The far right are calling for Gallant’s resignation
The leader of the far-right Jewish Power Party and Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir He appealed to Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu to immediately dismiss the defense minister. “Gallant – according to Ben Gvir – surrendered in the face of those who threatened disobedience in the army”. Harsh criticism of Gallant was also voiced by Likud members, including Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and MP Tali Gotliv. Likud parliamentary list coordinator Ophir Katz warned Gallant that if he votes against judicial reform in the Knesset next week, “his career in the party will end.”
Lapid: Gallant’s brave step
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid described the defense minister’s move as “brave”. “Gallant has taken a bold and decisive step for the security of the State of Israel,” said the former prime minister, noting that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government’s judicial reform “seriously damages national security and Gallant’s role and responsibility to stop this dangerous deterioration.” “This is the moment of truth. I call on the government – admonished Lapid – to stop everything”.
View at ilsole24ore.com