Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won support from a key coalition partner to delay a proposed weakening of the judiciary after the main trade union led a national strike and thousands protested in the streets.
(Bloomberg) —
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu won support from a key coalition partner to delay a proposed weakening of the judiciary after the main trade union led a national strike and thousands protested in the streets.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir agreed to give Netanyahu more time to approve the plans amid unprecedented opposition that paralyzed the economy. The prime minister — who is due to speak later on Monday — counted on the far-right backing of Ben Gvir to return to power in elections late last year.
Economy Minister Nir Barkat is among senior officials urging a pause, saying the overhaul is not worth a civil war. The proposals have sharply divided Israeli society and groups both for and against the policy have called for further protests, increasing the risk of an outbreak of violence.
Key Developments
- Israel’s Strikes Shake Economy in Bid to Stop Judicial Overhaul
- Night of Rage Puts Netanyahu in a Tight Corner: Balance of Power
- Israeli Markets Rally on Signs of Delay to Netanyahu’s Plans
- In Pictures: Mass Protests Erupt in Israel Over Supreme Court Plan
- Israel Defense Chief Calls for Freeze to Judicial Overhaul
- Moody’s Is Latest to Warn Israel Credit at Risk From Legal Plans
- Why Israel Is Bitterly Split by a Judiciary Overhaul: QuickTake
(All times CET)
Supporters of Judical Reform Start Protest (6:06 p.m.)
Thousands of supporters of the government’s plans to overhaul the judiciary began to demonstrate outside the Knesset, the country’s parliament in Jerusalem, urging politicians to press on with the controversial legislation. “The people demand legal reform!” they chanted.
They joined thousands more protesters against the proposals, and the two camps shouted “Democracy!” and “Reforms!” at each other as they marched toward the main buildings. There are no reports of serious violence to date.
Coalition Partner Consents to Plan Delay (5:24 p.m.)
The party of Ben Gvir agreed to a delay in approving the judicial overhaul until the next session of the Knesset, according to a statement. That could clear the way for a formal postponement despite opposition from certain other ministers.
Finance Minster Urges Backers to Defend Policy (3:21 p.m.)
Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich said in a broadcast clip that “we cannot allow the halting of the reform that will increase supervision over the courts and strengthen the democracy.”
Saying he and his supporters are in the majority, he urged them to join him in a protest Monday at the Knesset Monday evening. “We will not allow them to steal away the country,” he said.
Labor Leader Says a Delay to Plan Isn’t Enough (2:42 p.m.)
Labor Party leader Merav Michaeli said delaying the judicial overhaul isn’t enough to enter a dialogue — the policy needs to be canceled outright. While her party only has four seats in the 120-seat Knesset, she is a leader of the leftist opposition and her stand suggests a difficult road ahead for the government.
Strikes Upend Economy in Bid to Stop Overhaul (2:37 p.m.)
Israel’s biggest labor group triggered one of the most widespread strikes in the country’s history to paralyze the economy and pressure Netanyahu to halt a plan to weaken the judiciary.
The Airports Authority grounded most outbound flights ahead of the busy Passover holiday travel period, while walkouts took place at ports, major retailers and Israel’s largest investment fund, FIMI. Bank Hapoalim BM, one of the country’s largest lenders, closed all its branches.
Israel’s US Embassy Closes Over Strike Call (2:05 p.m.)
Israel’s embassy in Washington DC said it was closed for all activity, including consular work, after public sector strikes spread in Israel. Writing on Twitter, spokesman Elad Strohmayer said the industrial action included all diplomatic missions around the world.
Hardline Soccer Group Tells Fans to Take to Streets (2:00 p.m.)
La Familia, a football fans club known for racist remarks and violence, told supporters to protest at the Knesset Monday evening.
“We have kept our mouths shut until now. We will not give up on our country,” it posted on its Facebook page. The group was flooding WhatsApp groups urging supporters to take up arms to attack pro-democracy demonstrators, Haaretz reported, prompting Netanyahu to call on all sides to avoid violence.
Israeli Markets Rally on Signs of Hold Up (1:45 p.m.)
Israeli markets rose on signs Netanyahu is considering delaying his plan. The shekel strengthened as much as 1.4% against the dollar after erasing earlier losses, while stocks advanced. The yield on the nation’s local-currency 10-year bond fell 11 basis points to 3.82%.
Tel Aviv Highway Closes as Thousands Gather (11:25 a.m.)
The major highway around Tel Aviv shut down as thousands of demonstrators gathered with flags in opposition to the judicial changes. It had earlier been closed for hours overnight due to burning tires and protests.
Economy Minister Supports a Halt to Plan (11:23 a.m.)
Nir Barkat said he would back Netanyahu “in his decision to halt and reconsider,” according to a statement. “The reform is necessary and we will do it, but not at the price of a civil war.”
He called on all members of the coalition to stand behind the prime minister, adding “we can not bring down a right-wing government with our own hands. Our strength is in our unity.”
–With assistance from Ethan Bronner, Gwen Ackerman, Marissa Newman and Netty Ismail.
More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
©2023 Bloomberg L.P.