Netanyahu fires defense minister over criticism of judicial reform

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Joav Galant after calling for a halt to controversial judicial reform. A spokesman for Netanyahu’s right-wing conservative Likud party announced this on Sunday evening. There have been protests for months against the reform, which is intended to limit the influence of the Supreme Court. The plans of the right-wing religious government have also led to international criticism.

Surprisingly, the previous defense minister called on his own government on Saturday evening to halt the reform and enter into dialogue with critics. Galant warned that otherwise national security could be seriously compromised. He pointed out that many reservists did not show up in protest against the reform. Netanyahu’s coalition aims to implement key elements of the reform in the coming days.

The vote on a law that should give government politicians more influence in the appointment of judges could take place as early as Monday. It is still unclear how critics within the government will vote. The coalition only has a majority of four seats in parliament.

The government accuses the Supreme Court of excessive interference in political decisions. In the future, parliament should be able to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority. Critics see the separation of powers in danger and warn of a state crisis. (sda/dpa)