Israeli President holds first round of talks on judicial reform
According to the announcement, the meeting, which took place in the presidential residence in Jerusalem, was attended by working groups representing the ruling coalition and the two lead opposition parties.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog held the first round on negotiations on the judicial reform, which sparked mass protests in the country, with representatives of the ruling coalition and lead opposition parties, the President’s office announced Tuesday.
According to the announcement, the meeting, which took place in the presidential residence in Jerusalem, was attended by working groups representing the ruling coalition and the two lead opposition parties: the Yesh Atid and the National Unity.
“The meeting, which went in a positive key, is over. Tomorrow, President Isaac Herzog will hold a new round of the meetings,” the announcement says.
The judicial reform and the protests
The government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was formed in late 2022. In addition to the right-wing Likud party, the government includes far-right and orthodox religions forces.
One of the cabinet’s first resonance projects was the judicial reform plan, presented in January. In particular, the plan implies restriction of the role of the Supreme Court and handover of control over appointment of judges to the executive branch of power.
The project immediately sparked protests by the liberal opposition. According to the opponents of the reform, it would undermine the democratic foundation of the Israeli statehood. Netanyahu, however, insists that these changes will balance out all branches of power and make the country’s political system more democratic.
On March 26, the Prime Minister dismissed Defence Minister Yoav Galant, who publicly spoke in favor of suspension of the judicial reform. This decision sparked another wave of mass snap protests across the country, with unions declaring a total strike Monday.
In these circumstances, Netanyahu announced that the approval of the reform in the parliament was postponed at least until summer. He called on his opponents to begin a constructive dialogue in order to develop a universally acceptable solution. Opposition leaders agreed to negotiate with the President’s mediation.
