Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a controversial plan to weaken the judiciary after the proposals triggered mass protests and nationwide strikes.
(Bloomberg) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed a controversial plan to weaken the judiciary after the proposals triggered mass protests and nationwide strikes.
As tens of thousands remained on the streets Monday night and the US said it was deeply concerned, Netanyahu said he would pursue dialog with the opposition to reach a compromise.
“I will not allow Israel to be torn into shreds,” Netanyahu said in televised address from this office.
“When there is a chance to avoid a civil war through dialog, I, as prime minister, will take a pause for dialog,” he said.
He said he would delay parliamentary votes on the bill that aims to give politicians dominance in the selection of judges. He also said that one way or the other, there would be a rebalance of power between the high court and the legislature.
Israel Latest: Netanyahu Set to Delay Plan as Protests Escalate
The economy was brought close to a standstill Monday as multiple sectors stopped work, though a main union group called off the strike following Netanyahu’s comments. Israeli embassies said they’d reopen and the airport said it’d begin flights again.
After Netanyahu spoke, opposition leaders Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid said they were also ready for talks.
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