Israeli President Isaac Herzog criticised a proposal to overhaul Israel’s justice system as wrong and destructive in a speech on Thursday evening, telling coalition MPs that the current legislation “must pass from this earth”.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government’s plan to weaken the country’s top court has divided the country and drawn hundreds of thousands to rallies opposing the move. Demonstrators filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Thursday for the 10th straight week to protest the judicial overhaul, which opponents say would deal a fatal blow to Israel’s democratic character.
Protesters also blocked roads around Ben Gurion International Airport and clashed with police as part of what organisers called “a national day of resistance.” At least 30 demonstrators were detained during protests across the country, according to Israeli police.
In his address, Mr Herzog called for both sides — Mr Netanyahu’s coalition and opponents of the overhaul in Israel’s parliament and in the streets — to reach a compromise over the judicial changes.
“We are at the point of no return. It is a moment of ‘to be or not to be’,” Mr Herzog said. “If you choose to continue on the path you have followed so far — this chaos will be on your watch. History will judge you. Take responsibility, now.”
Read the article by Aaron Boxerman in The Australian.