Mail Online

Threat of civil war over hated reforms

By Inderdeep Bains Deputy Chief Reporter

ISRAELI premier Benjamin Netanyahu has been forced to delay his controversial judicial reforms ‘to avoid civil war’ as strikes and protests reached fever pitch yesterday.

The country was plunged into crisis after the PM attracted global concern by firing his defence minister Yoav Gallant for opposing the divisive reforms. The sacking signalled Mr Netanyahu’s willingness to push through with a parliamentary vote on the reforms this week but tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets.

Israel’s biggest trade union also declared a national strike, paralyzing much of the country including its main international airport.

There have been months of protests over fears Israel’s democracy is being eroded by the legislation which would give politicians power to override the judiciary.

In response to the anger and chaos, the PM delivered a televised address last night confirming that he would delay the process until next month.

After postponing the address for several hours due to the continued protests, he told the nation: ‘I’m not ready to divide the nation in pieces. When there’s an opportunity to avoid civil war through dialogue, I, as prime minister, am taking a timeout for dialogue.’ He called for ‘an attempt to achieve broad consensus’.

However his coalition partner, the far-Right Jewish Strength, sparked further outrage by claiming that, in exchange for agreeing to the delays, the PM would form a new civil ‘national guard’. This would reportedly be under the command of the national security ministry run by the leader of Jewish Strength Itamar Ben-Gvir a major proponent of the judicial overhaul bill.

The pause on proceedings yesterday came after tens of thousands of Israelis descended on central Tel Aviv and flooded into Jerusalem to gather outside the Israeli parliament. There were similar demonstrations in other major cities.

President Isaac Herzog, a ceremonial head of state who is supposed to be above politics, warned the PM yesterday: ‘ The entire nation is rapt with deep worry. Our security, economy, society – all are under threat. Wake up now!’

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2023-03-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://mailonline.pressreader.com/article/281754158576666

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