JERUSALEM: Israeli Minister for Defense Affairs Yoav Gallant called on Saturday for an urgent and temporary pause to the far-right government’s quarrelsome plan to overhaul the judiciary, the first public opposition from within Prime Minister Benjamin’s government.
Citing the need for talks with the opposition, the Defense Minister asked Netanyahu’s coalition government to wait until following the holiday that starts on April 5 before pushing ahead with its plan to overhaul the country’s judiciary.
Israeli Minister opposes Prime Minister Benjamin’s judicial reforms
The Minister added he is anxious that the overhaul plans pose a danger to the Israel’s security. The plan has ignited the largest protest movement in the country’s history, bringing thousands to face off against security personnel and police in the streets weekly.
“I will not participate in this,” the Minister said. His remarks indicated the first blow in Netanyahu’s government, the most right-wing and extremist government in history of Israel.
In recent months, displeasure over the overhaul has even rushed from within the Israel’s army. A large number of Israeli reservists have threatened to quit voluntary duty in the last weeks, posing a huge challenge to Netanyahu’s government as he works ahead with the reforms while on trial for corruption charges.
“The events occurring in Israel do not spare the Israel Defense Forces — from all edges, feelings of annoyance, discomfort and dissatisfaction arise, with a high intensity,” Defense Minister Gallant said. “I see how the source of our power is being wrinkled.”
The Minister further said that the national crisis over the judicial reforms has created “an immediate and tangible threat to the security of the country.”
