Despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s delay in implementing controversial reforms to Israel’s judiciary, new demonstrations broke out in Tel Aviv.
As the authorities tried to stop protestors from demonstrating, horns could be heard.
Mr Netanyahu stated earlier that his country was in “heart of crisis”.
After widespread protests that involved hundreds of thousands of people, he addressed the nation and said that he would “turn every stone” in order to find a solution.
He stated, “From a will for the prevention of the rift within the nation,” he delayed the second and third readings (of the bill), in order to reach broad consensus.
However, he also warned that Israel is at “a dangerous crossroads”.
The main union representing Israel’s labour force called for a nationwide halt shortly after Bar-David made his speech. Arnon Bar David, the chairman of Histadrut labor federation, stated that “the strike I announced this morning would end.”
He offered his assistance in finding a compromise.
Isaac Herzog, the president of Israel, stated that it was right to stop the legislation and that the widest possible agreement was necessary.
Benny Gantz, former deputy prime minister, said that he would approach dialogue “with an open heart”.
The UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly praised the decision to suspend the legislation and stated that it was vital that the “shared democratic values” that underpin the (UK-Israeli) relationship be upheld.
The proposals would give ministers more control over the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and less power to veto legislation.
An earlier announcement by Mr Netanyahu’s coalition partners indicated that a delay had been reached.
According to coalition member party Jewish Power, the potential overhaul won’t be discussed in parliament now but next month.
According to a party statement, the idea is to “pass reform through dialogue”.
Itamar Bengvir, the security minister, stated that he had offered to delay the government’s plans in return for the promise that they would be brought back following the forthcoming parliamentary recess.
“I accepted to remove the veto to refuse the legislation in return for a promise by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that the legislation would go to the Knesset to be approved in the next session,” Mr Ben-Gvir stated.
Huge demonstrations took place in major cities following Mr Netanyahu’s dismissal of Yoav Galant, his defense minister, for opposing the reforms.
It caused Mr Herzog, a head state figure who is supposed not to be affected by politics, to call Mr Netanyahu to halt the legislative process and saying “Come to your senses!”
Following Sunday’s dismissal by Mr Gallant, Mr Herzog stated that the “eyes” of the entire world were focused on him.
After a strike by the Israel Airports Authority workers’ Committee, all flights were grounded at Ben Gurion Airport.
Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the chief of staff of the Israeli army, stated that this time period is “different from any we have ever known”.
He said, “We have never known such days when external threats coalesce, while a storm brewing at home.”
reply
retweet
favourite
