Pause Israel reforms, defense minister urges

TEL AVIV – Tens of thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv Saturday against a controversial judicial overhaul, as Defence Minister Yoav Galant broke ranks to call for a pause to the government reforms.

The latest demonstration to hit Israel’s commercial hub came days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to press on with the changes despite mounting international alarm.

But his defense minister said Saturday that “we must stop the legislative process” for a month in view of the divisiveness of the reforms.

“The growing social rift has made its way into the (army) and security agencies. It is a clear, immediate, and tangible threat to Israel’s security,” said Galant, who is a member of Netanyahu’s own right-wing Likud party.

“I am committed to Likud values... and placing the State of Israel above all... but major changes on the national level must be made through deliberations and dialogue,” he added.

His comments were welcomed by opposition leader Yair Lapid who hailed a “brave and vital step for Israel’s security”.

Galant called for the halt before lawmakers are due to vote next week on a central part of the government’s proposals, which would change the way judges are appointed.

accused the FDP of blocking progress, while the FDP’s deputy chief Wolfgang Kubicki compared the Green politician to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kubicki later apologised but the damaging row underlines the state of the three-way coalition – the first in Germany’s post-war history.

The alliance got off to a good start in December 2021 under the motto of their coalition agreement – “Dare for more progress”.

It was put to a tough test when Russia invaded Ukraine just two months on, upending decades of German economic and political certainties.