Defense minister calls for suspension of judicial reform

by time news

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The Minister of Defense of Israel, Yoav Gallant, asked this Saturday, March 25, for the suspension of the process of judicial reform, warning of the risk of deterioration of the security of the State, in the face of the increase in popular protest.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered again this Saturday, March 25, in Tel Aviv to protest against the reform of the judicial system presented by the prime minister’s government, Benjamin Netanyahu.

In the face of massive opposition, the Defense Minister, Yoav Gallantasked for the reform to be suspended, considering that this bill represents a security problem for the country.

“We have to stop the legislative process (…) I am faithful to the values ​​of Likud (…) but big changes, at the national level, must be made through consultation and dialogue”these.

the statements of Yoav Gallant were well received by opposition leader Yaïr Lapid, who hailed a “courageous step (…) towards Israel’s security”.

The position of the head of the Defense portfolio comes to break with the unity in the right-wing and far-right coalition government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which until now has resisted any retreat from the bill to reform the judicial system, even in the face of protest demonstrations that have lasted for 12 weeks.

The protesters believe that the reform will weaken the powers of the Supreme Court, granting more strength to the executive branch at the expense of the judiciary. The Israeli Prime Minister, investigated in several cases of corruption, is also accused of wanting to use this law to annul a possible conviction.

Two deputies from Likud, Netanyahu’s party, also supported the Defense Minister’s appeal, advising the Government to be sensitive to demonstrations of protest, which are increasing in tone.

Israel’s main allies, including Washington, have questioned plans to give more power to politicians and limit powers of the Supreme Court. White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said US President Joe Biden is concerned about reforms in the justice system. already the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, underlined, during a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, in London, “the importance of respecting democratic values, including in the project of judicial reform in Israel”.

This week, Israeli deputies are expected to vote on one of the most controversial points of this reform, which provides for a change in the process of appointing judges.

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