- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly fired Joav Galant.
- This was announced by a spokesman for Netanyahu’s right-wing conservative Likud party.
- With his call to pause the controversial judicial reform, the defense minister met with a mixed response.
- US urges Israel to find a compromise.
There have been protests for months against the reform, which is intended to curtail the influence of the Supreme Court. The plans of the right-wing religious government have also triggered considerable criticism internationally.
The previous defense minister surprisingly called on his own government to stop the reform and to engage in dialogue with critics on Saturday evening. Galant warned that otherwise national security could be severely damaged. He pointed out that numerous reservists did not show up for duty in protest against the reform.
Voting is imminent
Netanyahu’s coalition wants to implement core elements of the reform in the next few days. The vote on a law that should give government politicians more influence in the appointment of judges could take place as early as this Monday.
It is still unclear how critics within the government will vote. The coalition only has a majority of four seats in parliament. The government accuses the Supreme Court of excessive interference in political decisions. In the future, Parliament should be able to overrule decisions of the Supreme Court with a simple majority. Critics see the separation of powers in danger and warn of a state crisis.
Anger and protests in response to dismissal
Angry protests broke out in the evening after Galant was fired. According to television reports, tens of thousands spontaneously gathered in the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision. They blocked the central road to Jerusalem.
Legend:
Angry Israelis blocked a street in Tel Aviv on Sunday evening. (March 26, 2023)
Keystone/AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg
There, demonstrators broke through a roadblock next to Netanyahu’s apartment building. Neighbors waved blue and white national flags. However, it was unclear whether the 73-year-old was in the house.
USA push for compromise
In view of the widespread protests in Israel against the course of the right-wing religious coalition, the US government has called for a compromise. The White House wrote that the United States was deeply concerned, as this announced.
Democratic values have always been, and must remain, a hallmark of US-Israel relations. Far-reaching changes in the system would have to be approved by the population.
