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

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.”

“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.