Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Seeks Consensus on Judicial Reforms Amid Protests
In light of growing dissatisfaction with his government’s plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that efforts are being made to reach consensus on a judicially amended bill expected to be approved by the Israeli parliament next week, prompting protests and anger at home and abroad.
Israeli Security Threat
He considered that the refusal to perform military service, which was refused by the reservists, was a threat to Israel’s security.
Consensus Efforts
“Even at this point, I would like to tell you that efforts are being made to reach a consensus,” Netanyahu told reporters, referring to the first part of the controversial judicial amendments proposed.
“I very much hope that these efforts will succeed, but even if they fail, the door of the (governing) coalition will always remain open to the opposition,” he added.
Reservists Are Threatened
Netanyahu’s comments came after Israeli Army Radio reported on Thursday that the army would likely arrest reservists who threatened not to do military service as part of protests against the government’s plans for judicial reforms.
The extension of constitutional disputes to the military shocked Israelis, who had long considered it separate from politics. The controversy arose out of concerns about readiness for war.
Soldier’s Defiance
On Monday, Netanyahu said the government would take action against what he called disobedience among soldiers, which encourages Israel’s enemies to attack him and undermine democracy.
Protesters say the ruling coalition, made up of religious and national parties, has lost its democratic mandate in an attempt to undermine the independence of the judiciary through amendments that Netanyahu, who is on trial on allegations of corruption he denies, say would strike a balance between institutions of power.
