Political crisis – ruthless demonstrations: Netanyahu must halt judicial reform

That is known from Netanyahu’s coalition, a representative of his ruling Likud party said Monday morning. Broadcaster Channel 12 reports that President Yitzhak Herzog had previously called on the government to give in. “For the sake of the unity of the Israeli people, for the sake of responsibility, I urge you to stop the legislation immediately,” he said.

Netanyahu’s speech expected
Media reports say Netanyahu is due to comment on the controversial judicial reform on Monday morning. As public broadcaster Kan reports, citing sources close to Netanyahu, the speech is expected to be delivered at 10 a.m. local time (9 a.m. CEST).

The cabinet of the head of government initially did not want to confirm this. Should Netanyahu announce that the plans will be frozen, it could spark massive protests in his right-wing religious coalition. During the night, Netanyahu had consulted with several ministers in his coalition.

Violent clashes with the police
In the morning, protests in front of the parliament in Jerusalem continued. In Israel, the political crisis escalated dramatically after the resignation of Defense Minister Joav Galant over his criticism of a highly controversial judicial reform.

Tens of thousands of people poured into the streets of Tel Aviv last night to protest the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing religious government’s reform plans. There were violent clashes with the police, who used water cannons and cavalry squadrons.