In a televised speech, the Israeli president stressed the danger of “social and constitutional collapse.” He invited the government and the opposition to a mediation, asking them not to force the process of approval of the law. A request that the majority leaders rejected. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets; Today there is another demonstration in Jerusalem.
Jerusalem () – Israeli President Isaac Herzog intervened in the game opened by the government on the controversial justice reform – opposed by the judiciary and which led tens of thousands of citizens to demonstrate in the streets – , presenting a five-point mediation proposal. In a speech released yesterday afternoon and described as “passionate and sincere” for the concerns he expressed, the Head of State addressed the Executive to ask him for a “commitment” to avoid an imminent conflict and possible bloodshed in the country. . A sense called that comes at a time marked by confessional tensions, with attacks even against Christians, and violence against Palestinians, which could lead to a new intifada.
In his televised address, Herzog spoke of a nation on the brink of “social and constitutional collapse” and addressed citizens on both sides, government supporters and critical voices, asking them to refrain from violence. He stressed the growing fear of attacks “against public officials and elected representatives”, while not sparing criticism of the nature of the reforms of the executive led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which threaten to undermine the “democratic foundations” of the nation. The “change” and “reform” proposals are legitimate steps, he added, but they should not be detrimental to unity.
Hence the proposal for a five-point plan to reach a compromise with the opposition, after which he asked that the calendar of the legislative process not be forced. Words that received the applause of Netanyahu’s opponents, but were rejected by a part of the majority, in particular several Likud deputies who want to go quickly to the vote.
In summary, the five points outlined by the president refer to: the approval of a reference framework law on justice; that the fundamental norm and the laws related to it cannot be modified by the Supreme Court; thirdly, a modification of the commission that elects the judges so that it responds better to the need for a balance of powers; an increase in the number of magistrates; and, finally, reach an agreement on the concept of “reasonableness” of the laws.
In his petition, Herzog addressed the chairman of the Knesset Committee on Constitution, Law and Justice, Simcha Rothman, an exponent of the religious and Zionist wing and one of the main promoters of the reform. However, the proposal to postpone the first vote in Parliament, scheduled for today, was immediately rejected by Rothman himself, who alleges “the obligation” to carry out the reform thoroughly, and quickly, out of respect “for our voters”.
On the other side, critical voices – from the top of the judiciary to ordinary citizens – continue to protest. Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people demonstrated through the streets of Tel Aviv. Another massive protest march is planned in Jerusalem today, with police deployed in riot gear and ready to prevent protesters from reaching Parliament.
