Israel’s Netanyahu delays judicial reform after mass protests – POLITICO

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed the final readings of a bill to give parliament more control over the judiciary. The move follows weeks of nationwide protests against the controversial reform. The Knesset will now discuss the proposals when it begins its next session in May. The reforms, which include new laws on how judges are selected, which Supreme Court decisions can be overturned and which laws Supreme Court can rule on, would provide more oversight of the judiciary.

The reform was part of Netanyahu’s program when he returned to power last December, leading a coalition government described as the most right-wing in Israel’s history. The legislation has been highly controversial, not least as Netanyahu is currently on trial for corruption himself and could benefit from the overhaul.

The reforms have triggered large protests and calls for action from President Isaac Herzog.  On Sunday evening, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities across the country to oppose Netanyahu’s dismissal of his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, who had challenged the reform. Gallant wrote on Twitter that “the security of the State of Israel always was and will always remain my life mission.”

Far-right leaders, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have also supported the reforms but were met by many thousands of government opponents. The leader of Israel’s top trade union has called for a general strike in reaction to the government’s proposals.



Source link