Netanyahu calls for ‘consensus’ on remaining reforms as opposition mourns for end of democracy
search

The latest Jewish News

Read this week’s digital edition

Click Here

Netanyahu calls for ‘consensus’ on remaining reforms as opposition mourns for end of democracy

'The government of extremists and messianists cannot tear apart our democracy at noon, and in the evening send Netanyahu to say that he is proposing dialogue,' Yair Lapid said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to vote for the judicial overhaul bill in the Israeli Knesset, Parliament, on Monday, in Jerusalem, July 24, 2023. Netanyahu's government passed the key judicial law amid a national conflict. Photo by Debbie Hill/ Credit: UPI/Alamy Live News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to vote for the judicial overhaul bill in the Israeli Knesset, Parliament, on Monday, in Jerusalem, July 24, 2023. Netanyahu's government passed the key judicial law amid a national conflict. Photo by Debbie Hill/ Credit: UPI/Alamy Live News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on opposition parties to begin negotiations on the remaining reforms on the government’s agenda in order to reach a “broad agreement.” 

Speaking to the nation on live TV, Netanyahu claimed that the “reasonableness law” passed in Knesset on Monday will “restore a measure of balance between the authorities,” in the judicial system.

“We passed the amendment to the reasonableness standard so that the elected government will be able to lead policy according to the will of the majority of the citizens of the state. In no way is carrying out the will of the voter ‘the end of democracy.’ It is the essence of democracy,” Netanyahu said.

The government, Netanyahu continued, will not give up on the “chance of reaching broad agreement – and I tell you that it is possible.”

Anti-overhaul activists block a raod during a protest against the government’s judicial overhaul, near the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on July 24, 2023. Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90

“Already in the coming days, the coalition will turn to the opposition in order to advance a dialogue between us. We are prepared to discuss everything, immediately, and do so in the round of talks during the Knesset recess and reach a comprehensive agreement on everything and we will add more time should it be needed, until the end of November. That is more than enough time to reach agreement on everything,” he added.

Opposition parties accused Netanyahu of succumbing to “extremists” in his coalition instead of halting the highly contentious law, which will prevent the High Court of Justice from striking down government decisions or appointments of ministers deemed “unreasonable.”

“Netanyahu’s statement tonight is another lie, the sole purpose of which is to reduce pressure from the Americans and put the protests to sleep. The government of extremists and messianists cannot tear apart our democracy at noon, and in the evening send Netanyahu to say that he is proposing dialogue,” Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said following Netanyahu’s speech.

Leader of the National Unity Party, Benny Gantz, claimed that a majority in the Knesset that wants agreements was “defeated by extreme MKs who decided to change our identity, who want to take us to an abyss of hatred, to divide us, and to turn us against each other.”

While Netanyahu called on restarting negotiations over the remaining reforms, several far-right minister and lawmakers in his coalition warned that the passing of the “reasonableness law” was just the beginning.

“The law we passed today is important for democracy, but it is only the beginning. For a more Jewish and more democratic State of Israel, we must pass the rest of the reform package, including changing the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee and changing the powers of the legal advisers,” National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said.

Likud lawmaker Moshe Saada was more specific, saying: “We are moving on — on to the Judicial Selection Committee,” referring to the government’s plan to change the structure of the committee so that a majority of its members are appointed by the government.

Support your Jewish community. Support your Jewish News

Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.

For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.

Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.

You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.

100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...

Engaging

Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.

Celebrating

There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.

Pioneering

In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.

Campaigning

Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.

Easy access

In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.

Voice of our community to wider society

The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.

We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.

read more: