Israel’s Defence Minister Calls for Halt in Judicial Overhaul Amid Massive Protests in Tel Aviv

Background

Israel has been rocked by a series of massive protests that have seen thousands of people take to the streets to demonstrate against the proposed overhaul of the country’s judicial system. The protests, which began in Tel Aviv last month, have since spread to other cities, with tens of thousands of people participating in marches, rallies, and sit-ins.

At the center of the controversy is a proposed bill that would grant Israel’s Justice Minister the power to appoint judges to certain courts, thus bypassing the current appointment process. Critics of the bill argue that it would undermine the independence of the judiciary and allow for political interference in the justice system.

Defence Minister’s Call for Halt

In a significant move, Israel’s Defence Minister, Benny Gantz, has called for the proposed judicial overhaul to be put on hold. In a statement released on Friday, Gantz urged lawmakers to “exercise their judgment and reconsider the process and timing of the legislation in light of the public mood and the polarisation it is causing.”

Gantz’s statement comes amid mounting pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups, who have been calling on the government to scrap the proposed bill. The Defence Minister’s intervention is significant as he is a member of the ruling coalition, which has been pushing for the changes to the judicial system.

Reaction to the Call for Halt

While Gantz’s call for a halt has been welcomed by opposition politicians and protesters, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed his call. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has so far remained silent on the issue, but his office issued a statement saying that “the government will continue to act responsibly, while seeking to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”

The proposed judicial overhaul has also drawn international attention, with several human rights organisations and legal experts warning that it would weaken Israel’s democratic institutions and undermine the country’s commitment to the rule of law.

Summary

In summary, Israel’s Defence Minister, Benny Gantz, has called for the proposed overhaul of the country’s judicial system to be put on hold amid massive protests. The proposed bill, which would give the Justice Minister the power to appoint judges, has been heavily criticised by opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that it would undermine the independence of the judiciary. While Gantz’s intervention has been welcomed by some, it remains to be seen whether the government will heed his call. #NEWS