Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed his commitment to proceed with his controversial judicial overhaul, despite unprecedented mass protests, growing military reservist defections, and appeals from the US president to pause the plan. Netanyahu’s prime time address on national television set the stage for heightened street protests in the upcoming days leading to a parliamentary vote on Monday. Following Netanyahu’s speech, protesters blocked Tel Aviv’s main highway for several hours and clashed with the police while others continued a 45-mile march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, reports the AP.
In his address, Netanyahu displayed moments of conciliation, expressing his understanding of the deeply divided opinions in the country and offering to seek a compromise with his political opponents. However, he also defiantly asserted that his opponents were determined to overthrow him and criticized the military reservists who vowed to stop reporting for duty if the plan is enacted. Netanyahu stated, “The refusal to serve threatens the security of every citizen of Israel.” The proposed bill aims to limit the Supreme Court’s oversight powers, restricting its ability to invalidate decisions it considers “unreasonable.” This reasonability standard serves as a safeguard against corruption and improper appointments of unqualified individuals.
Netanyahu and his allies argue that the plan is necessary to curb what they perceive as excessive powers wielded by unelected judges. Critics contend that it will consolidate power in the hands of Netanyahu and his far-right allies, undermining the country’s system of checks and balances. Concerns have also been raised about a potential conflict of interest for Netanyahu, who is currently facing corruption charges. President Biden has urged Netanyahu to slow down and foster a national consensus before passing the legislation. Following the speech, opposition leader Yair Lapid called on Netanyahu to defy his coalition allies and halt the legislation, stating, “This extremist group has no mandate to turn Israel into a messianic and non-democratic state. The Netanyahu government is waging a war of attrition against the citizens of Israel.”
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