Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu is set to address the nation today and could announce the suspension of judicial reform, citing sources close to the prime minister, according to the media. The decision came after a night of violent protests across the country over the sacking of Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant, who pleaded guilty to calling for reform to be halted. Even President Herzog this morning called on the Prime Minister to halt the legislative process of the reform. According to some sources, Netanyahu’s speech is expected around 10:30 a.m. local time (9:30 a.m. in Italy).
ANSA agency
According to the media, an “ad hoc measure for Netanyahu in view of the ongoing corruption investigation” (ANSA)
Following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, leaders of the anti-reform protests immediately called for a demonstration in Tel Aviv in front of the Defense Ministry. Other protesters went under the former minister’s house in Jerusalem in a solidarity demonstration, and protests were also held in Beersheva and Haifa.
Protest leaders have called for a mass demonstration in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem at 2 p.m. (local time). “We will not allow any compromise – they argued – that compromises the independence of the Supreme Court”. They have asked that Minister Gallant be restored to responsibility for defence. Today the government convened a commission that intends to change the mechanism for appointing judges to the Court of Justice and to ensure that the political majority prevails in the election.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid attacked Netanyahu’s decision, arguing that “the prime minister can fire the minister, but he cannot ignore the reality of the Israeli people defying the madness of the majority.” The general secretary of the Histadrut, the powerful labor union Arnon Bar-David, announced a press conference for today where he could announce a general strike.
Israeli President Isaac also spoke on the subject Herzog calling on Netanyahu to stop judicial reform which – he writes in a note reported by local media – “weakens the judicial system”. Herzog appealed directly to the Prime Minister and also referred to the unrest in the country: “We have experienced very difficult scenes. I appeal to the Prime Minister, the members of the government and the members of the coalition. For the sake of unity.” People of Israel, in the interests of the responsibilities to which we are bound, I urge you to immediately halt the ‘legislative process’ of reform.
ANSA agency
Continue the confrontation over judicial reform. Even some ministers say they are against (ANSA)
USA: ‘DEEPLY CONCERNED, URGENT COMPROMISE’
“We are deeply concerned by ongoing developments in Israel, including potential implications for military responsiveness, which were raised by Secretary of Defense Yoav Gallant, who underscores the urgent need for a compromise,” said Security Council spokesman U.S. National John Kirby. in a statement following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s sacking of the minister, “guilty” of asking to freeze judicial reform dividing Israel. “As the President recently discussed directly with … Netanyahu, democratic values have always been and must be a hallmark of US-Israel relations,” the spokesman added. “Democratic societies – he continued – are strengthened by real checks and balances, and fundamental changes should be driven forward with the widest possible popular support. We continue to urge the Israeli leadership to find a compromise based on broad popular support as soon as possible”.