Netanyahu expected to halt judicial reform amid mass protests, strike across Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to announce a halt to the judicial reforms on Monday, following mass protests and strikes across the country. 

According to Israeli media, Netanyahu has decided to halt the judicial reforms after speaking to several Likud members who voiced support for such a move.

“I call on all my colleagues in the government, in Likud and the partner parties in the coalition, to unite behind the prime minister and support him in stopping the legislation. We must not bring about the overthrow of the right-wing government at our own hands. Our strength is in our unity,” Economy Minister Nir Barkat said.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir meanwhile threatened resign from his position in the government if the reforms are halted.

Tens of thousands are expected to demonstrate across Israel again on Monday, with thousands gathering in front of Knesset.

Mass general strikes were also announced across Israel, including at Ben-Gurion airport, Universities, daycares, malls and shops.

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid called on Netanyahu to reinstall Yoav Gallant as defence minister after he fired him on Sunday evening.

“What has happened in the last 24 hours is madness, it is a loss of momentum and a loss of way, it is proof that this government has lost control of the brakes. An absolute majority of the country’s citizens have been feeling recently, and even more so in the past 24 hours, anxiety and distress. They cannot understand why the government insists on destroying everything that is dear to us and sacred to us,” Lapid said.