First negotiations, but more protests – the last one from Israel in 5 points

Initial negotiations completed

In the dispute over judicial reform in Israel, representatives of the right-wing religious coalition and the opposition have met for the first negotiations. The talks at the president’s residence ended after about an hour and a half “in good spirits,” as President Izchak Herzog’s office in Jerusalem subsequently announced. Rounds of negotiations are expected to continue throughout the week. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously postponed the bill after massive protests to create “space for dialogue”.

It was unclear whether a compromise proposed by Herzog a few weeks ago should serve as the basis for the negotiations. Netanyahu had rejected the comprehensive proposal as “unbalanced”. The opposition supported it.

The protests continue

Despite the announced postponement of Israel’s controversial judicial reform, opponents of the government’s plans continued to protest. Dozens of people gathered in front of the president’s residence in Jerusalem in the evening to protest the start of negotiations. “The opposition leaders and the president should know that they are participating in a theater performance directed by Netanyahu,” a spokesman for the organizers criticized and called for talks to stop. There were also demonstrations in Tel Aviv in the afternoon with hundreds of demonstrators.

With the judicial reform, Netanyahu’s coalition wants to limit the influence of the Supreme Court and increase the government’s position of power. She accuses the Supreme Court of excessive interference in political decisions. In the future, for example, parliament must be able to overturn decisions by the Supreme Court by a simple majority. Critics see the separation of powers in danger and warn of a state crisis if the reform is implemented in this way.

Disagreement over dialogue

The leader of the Labor Party, Meirav Michaeli, saw little reason for a compromise along the lines of the prime minister. “The struggle and protest must continue and intensify.” Netanyahu only wanted to buy time with his statements, but in the end wanted to carry out exactly what so many people in the country feared. Despite Netanyahu’s announcement, the coalition introduced a bill on Tuesday to change the composition of the body that appoints judges to parliament. Opposition politicians spoke of “a gun to the head” during possible negotiations.

Netanyahu could soon be invited to the White House

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides hinted at a possible invitation for Netanyahu to the White House in Washington. “I think he will be invited to Passover,” he told Israeli army radio on Tuesday. The Jewish Passover begins next Wednesday and lasts for a week.

Since taking office in November, Netanyahu has already visited several European countries, including Germany, as well as neighboring Jordan. However, so far he has not received an invitation from the US – traditionally its closest ally.

Normal operation after general strike

After large parts of economic life came to a standstill on Monday due to a general strike in protest against the reform, things returned to normal on Tuesday. Planes also took off regularly at the international airport. The workers union took part in a nationwide strike on Monday, which led to several flight cancellations. Many workers in other sectors had also quit their jobs after a call from the umbrella organization of trade unions. (sda/dpa)