Concerned about Israel’s ability to defend itself, Defense Minister Joav Galant has called on his own government to halt the controversial judicial reform. On Saturday night, he called for a dialogue with reform opponents and spoke of a time frame up to Israel’s Independence Day on April 26. Otherwise, national security would be seriously harmed, Galant warned, referring to the numerous reservists who failed to show up for military service to protest the judicial reform.
Galant is the most senior member of the government to be critical of the plan to weaken the judiciary. Jediot Achronot, Israel’s highest-circulation newspaper, wrote in its headline on Sunday: “Rebellion within the (ruling) Likud”.
Galant’s appeal received a mixed response. At least two other members of his Likud party supported his request, Israeli media reported on Sunday. Other coalition members reacted furiously and even called for his resignation. Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on Twitter that Galant collapsed under pressure from the media and protesters. “I call on the Prime Minister to sack him immediately.”
Opposition leader Jair Lapid, on the other hand, called Galant’s call a “brave step” essential to Israel’s security. “This is the moment of truth.” Lapid called on the government to halt the legislation and start a dialogue at President Izchak Herzog’s official residence.
However, the organizers of the mass protests against the reform announced after Galant’s speech that the demonstrations would continue until the reform plans were completely abandoned. You have announced a “week of disruption” with numerous protests. According to media reports, about 200,000 protesters gathered in the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv on Saturday evening. Tens of thousands of people also took part in rallies in other cities.
Experts assume that the months-long mass protests are not just about judicial reform, but that the liberal camp is also venting its anger over other deep-seated issues. “We no longer want to be the fools,” opposition leader Lapid wrote. “We don’t live in this country just to pay taxes and send our children into the army. Amidst the gloom of recent months, something miraculous has also happened: the liberal camp has woken up.”
The right-wing religious coalition around Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to implement key elements of the reform in the coming days. The vote on a law that would give government politicians more influence in appointing judges could take place as early as Monday. It is still unclear how critics of the reform will vote within the government. The coalition has a majority of only four seats in parliament.
Netanyahu’s government accuses the Supreme Court of excessive interference in political decisions. It should therefore be possible in the future for Parliament to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority. Critics see the separation of powers as a cornerstone of democracy in danger and warn of a state crisis.
Galant said in his speech that he had heard disturbing statements from army commanders in recent weeks. He spoke of “anger, pain and disappointment with an intensity I’ve never experienced before”. Galant warned, “The threats around us are great.” He referred to the ongoing conflict with the Palestinians and the Iranian nuclear program.
Reserve fighter pilots have threatened not to participate in a possible attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities if reform of the judiciary is implemented, according to an Israeli television report. “I will not be a mercenary of a dictatorial regime,” one of them told Israel Channel 12.
The situation also remains very tense in the Palestinian territories: for the third time in a month there was an attack on Israelis in the Palestinian city of Huwara in the West Bank on Saturday evening. According to the army, two soldiers were injured, one of them seriously. According to reports, a suspected Palestinian gunman was shot from a moving car. Just under a week ago, an Israeli was seriously injured in an attack in the city. A month ago, two Israeli brothers were murdered there. This was followed by serious rioting by Israeli settlers. (cst/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
