Israeli president proposes compromise in judicial reform dispute Swiss skin cells fly into space for an experiment

Israeli President Izchak Herzog has proposed a compromise in the bitter dispute over judicial reform in Israel. Herzog said in a speech on Wednesday night that changes in the distribution of power between the three powers were needed. However, this requires a broad consensus. Herzog published a plan on the internet that he said would simultaneously strengthen parliament and government and ensure an independent judiciary.

While the opposition showed a willingness to talk, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the compromise proposal before leaving for Berlin. He only confirms the current situation and brings no compensation, he said after media reports.

Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government wants to push through the controversial reform in an accelerated process by the end of the month. Core elements were already approved in Parliament at first reading. The aim of the reform is the targeted weakening of the independent judiciary. Critics see the separation of powers as a pillar of democracy in danger. For more than two months, there have been massive protests against the judicial reform. Netanyahu wanted to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Thursday.

Herzog said of the dispute over judicial reform that he had spoken to thousands of people on both sides in recent weeks. “I’ve heard real hate,” he warned. “Anyone who believes that a real civil war is a border we won’t reach has no idea. We’re about to.”

The heavy crisis is also an opportunity to find a better balance between the powers. Most Israeli citizens wanted a permanent settlement. More diversity is needed in the appointment of judges. The different population groups should be more represented. “The country must not be destroyed,” he warned at the same time, calling for an in-depth debate on his proposal.

Herzog presented his proposal under the motto “People’s Plan”. Prior to the speech, Communications Minister Schlomo Karhi of the right-wing conservative Likud ruling party wrote on Twitter: “Mr President, the people’s plan was set four months ago” – apparently in view of his party’s election victory in November. “We’re working on it.” (sda/dpa)