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. Netanyahu’s speech was expected around 10:30 a.m. local time (9:30 a.m. in Italy), but the prime minister postponed it because he was in talks with leaders of the right-wing coalition parties.
Israel protests against the dismissal of the defense minister
Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the far-right Jewish Power Party and Minister of National Security, threatened Netanyahu with it He will immediately overthrow the government if the prime minister decides to stop judicial reform. The media report about it. Ben Gvir, the media added, said the meaning of halting reform was “a surrender in the face of violence in the streets.” Without Ben Gvir’s party, Netanyahu would lose his majority in the Knesset.
Israel, protests in Jerusalem in front of Netanyahu’s residence
This was announced by Pinchas Idan, the leader of the Israeli airport workers’ union the immediate halt to all take-offs from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. It was a protest against the Netanyahu government’s major judicial reform and against the sacking of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Shortly before, the chairman of the union headquarters Arnon Bar David had announced a nationwide general strike if Netanyahu does not implement this reform today.
The commercial port of Ashdod in southern Israel was also blocked by a surprise strike. A sudden strike was also called in the hospitals in the morning. Universities have announced the indefinite lockdown of classes because they said “there can be no academic life where there is no democracy”. Scores of shopping malls were also closed and there was unrest among Justice Department officials.
According to media reports, it is also possible to close bank branches, even if this requires special approval. Public transport allowed
continue to offer their services. This was also explained to allow protesters to reach Jerusalem to take part in a large demonstration in front of Parliament.
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.
ANSA agency
Continue the confrontation over judicial reform. Even some ministers say they are against (ANSA)
“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.