Netanyahu announces halt to judicial overhaul: ‘Time-out for dialogue’

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu finally announced a halt to the government’s judicial reforms on Monday evening, saying he will “take a time-out for dialogue”.

Netanyahu said he was pausing the judicial overhaul “out of national responsibility.”

“When there’s an option to avoid civil war through dialogue. One thing I am not willing to accept – there are a minority of extremists that are willing to tear our country to shreds…escorting us to civil war and calling for refusal of army service, which is a terrible crime,” he added.

National Unity party leader Benny Gantz welcomed Netanyahu’s decision, saying: “Better late than never. No to civil war, no to divisions, yes to agreement and dialogue.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid also welcomed the pause, saying: “If the legislation really does stop, genuinely and totally, we are ready to start genuine dialogue at the President’s Residence.”

President Herzog called Netanyahu’s decision “the right thing” to do. “This is the time to begin a sincere, serious, and responsible dialogue that will urgently calm the waters and lower the flames,” he said.

“I call on everyone to act responsibly. Protests and demonstrations, on whichever side – yes. Violence – absolutely not! If one side wins, the state will lose. We must remain one people and one state – Jewish and democratic,” he added.

Netanyahu’s decision came after Jewish Power party said it had agreed with the prime minister that a pause to the judicial reforms were acceptable.

In return, a national guard would be formed, falling under direct responsibility of Jewish Power party leader and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

But Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich expressed deep opposition to pause the reforms, attending a right-wing rally in Jerusalem aimed at showing support for the government’s plans.

Smotrich referred to the hundreds of thousands of protesters as “anarchist”, saying Netanyahu shouldn’t cave.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, among the most staunch supporters of the overhaul, had, accord to Israeli media, previously threatened to resign if the reforms were paused, but changed his stance on Monday, saying he would “respect any decision” by Netanyahu.

Monday saw tens of thousands of protesters taking to the streets across Israel, while general mass strikes were announced at Ben-Gurion Airport, Universities, malls, and shops.