«The resistance to the dictatorship continues with all its might, it is a fight for our home. The past few days were an impressive victory for the biggest revolt ever in Israel,” anti-government protesters in Israel celebrated. Given the massive mobilizations unleashed after the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Benjamin Netanyahu announced a temporary halt in judicial reform. His detractors denounce that it is a strategy to buy time, and warn that the mobilizations will not stop.
After the expected appearance of “Bibi”, the first scenes of violence took place in the streets, with groups of ultra-rightists attacking Arabs, journalists and leftists. During the day yesterday the tension was lowered, although anti-government protests did not stop in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and highway junctions across the country.
The President of Israel, isaac herzog, invited representatives of the coalition and the opposition last night, in a new attempt to reach an intermediate solution that satisfies both parties. “We are facing a crisis that is endangering our unity, and requires that we act responsibly,” said Netanyahu, who in turn accused an “extremist minority” of fanning the flames of civil war by inciting military insubordination or fomenting escraches to ministers.
The Minister of Justice, Yariv Levin (Likud), and the president of the Legislative Commission of the «Knesset», Simcha Rotman (Religious Zionism), architects of the package of laws that is weighing down the separation of powers, will not be present at the negotiations. With the unexpected dismissal of Yoav Gallant, “Bibi” tried to silence more critical voices within the coalition, but the move ended up hurting him. Given the obvious threats to national security—watched closely by Israel’s enemies—other Likud heavyweights also warned of the dangers of advancing “judicial reform.” “You cannot manage a negotiation while Netanyahu and his associates continue with the legislative process. I call on the opposition factions to withdraw the teams sent to the presidential residence, so it is not negotiated,” demanded the opposition Avigdor Liberman, whose party, Israel Beitenu, refused to send representatives.
Despite the temporary recess announced by “Bibi”, yesterday the coalition continued the parliamentary debate to modify the mechanism for the selection of Supreme Court judges. The bill was presented for approval in the second and third reading, so it can be voted on in the “Knesset” in just 24 hours.
To please his far-right allies, Netanyahu vowed to establish a “national guard” under the direct control of Itamar Ben Gvir, the Minister of National Security (police). The radical minister, who threatened to leave the coalition at the first signs that “Bibi” would stop his plans, ended up giving in in exchange for a signed promise to form a militia under his direct control. The unleashed fear is that said unit, which will not respond to police chains of command, will be used by Ben Gvir to repress opponents and Palestinians. Given the Likud leader’s continued defaults, the imminent formation of the “national guard” is not guaranteed.
For the centrist opponent Yair Lapid, “Ben Gvir wants to turn his thug militia into a body that will spread terror and violence across the country.” Former police commanders insinuated that the minister intends to recruit young radical settlers, whose attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank have increased since the inauguration of the most right-wing government in the country’s history.
From Washington, US officials hinted that Netanyahu will soon be invited to the White House. Last week, Joe Biden He claimed to “Bibi” by phone that democratic values ”have always been, and must continue to be, the hallmark of relations between the US and Israel.” Behind the scenes, the Biden Administration has exerted strong pressure, suggesting that the conception of the Jewish state as the only democracy in the Middle East is in danger.
The Israeli “premier” expressed his discontent at not having received a formal invitation from the White House since he resumed power three months ago. From Washington they warned of the consequences of his plan to politicize justice, and demanded a broad agreement to undertake any reform that modifies the separation of powers.
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