After the Israeli prime minister abruptly fired Yoav Gallant, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem erupt in outrage. 13 weeks of protests over judicial changes have engulfed Israel.
Israel’s president has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “immediately halt the legislative process” after Netanyahu dismissed his defense minister for opposing judicial reforms sparking widespread protests and a national strike.
According to Channel 12 TV, Mr. Netanyahu was anticipated to announce this morning that he was abandoning his plans. But his announcement was delayed after a coalition ally urged him not to back down.
After a meeting with the chiefs of the coalition he leads, the station later reported that he was “determined to stop the legislation,” while the KAN broadcaster said he told the other leaders he would halt the reforms.
Following the announcement of a strike by the chairman of the Israel Airports Authority workers’ committee. All flights were grounded at the country’s primary international airport, Ben Gurion Airport.
Following the dismissal of Yoav Gallant on Sunday, President Isaac Herzog, who is ostensibly above politics, stated, “the eyes of the entire world are on you.
Mr. Gallant broke ranks as more Israeli Defense Force reservists struck against government plans.
Ministers would have greater control over the appointment of justices, including those in the Supreme Court. While that court’s ability to veto legislation or rule against the government would be diminished.
Critics assert that Mr. Netanyahu’s corruption trial creates a conflict of interest. He is accused of fraud, violation of trust, and accepting bribes, all of which he denies. He also refutes claims that the legal overhaul is intended to help him avoid trial.
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered on Sunday evening, shutting down Tel Aviv’s main highway and destroying barricades near Mr. Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem.
Beersheba and Haifa also witnessed demonstrations before the head of Israel’s largest labor union announced a general strike.
Histadrut represents over 700,000 employees in a variety of industries, including banking, transportation, and health care, and could paralyze substantial portions of the nation’s economy.
The group’s commander, Arnon Bar-David, stated that he decided to steer Israel away from “an abyss.”
In the meantime, Mr. Herzog stated, “I am speaking to the prime minister, the members of the government, the companies, and coalition members: the emotions are difficult and agonizing. The entire nation is surrounded by apprehension.
“Security, the economy, and society are all in jeopardy. The attention of the entire Israeli populace is on you. The focus of the entire Jewish community is on you. The universe revolves around you”.
For the sake of Israeli unity and accountability, please stop the legislative process.
“I am appealing to the heads of all Knesset factions, both coalition, and opposition, to place the country’s citizens above all else and act responsibly and courageously without further delay.
“Return to your senses! This is not a time for politics, but rather for leadership and responsibility.”
Sunday night, White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson issued the following statement. “We continue to urge Israeli leaders to reach a compromise as soon as possible.” We believe this is the greatest way forward for Israel and its entire population.
“As the president (Joe Biden) recently discussed with Prime Minister Netanyahu, democratic values have always characterized the US-Israel relationship and must continue to do so.
“Checks and balances strengthen democratic societies, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest popular support possible.”
The biggest protests in the country’s 75-year history have opposed the judicial plan for 13 weeks.
One of the demonstrators on Sunday told Sky’s Alistair Bunkall that the proposed reform of the judiciary was “harmful to the country […] and to national unity.”
He stated, “I am extremely concerned about the future of this country.”
As the right-wing and staunchly conservative government moves to force its proposals through the Knesset. Its legislature, protests are expected to continue this week, with universities also announcing a general strike for Monday.
The Israeli police commander stated that officers would not tolerate public disturbances or damage to government symbols.
Netanyahu poses a security risk.
Asaf Zamir, Israel’s consul general in New York, resigned hours after the dismissal of Mr. Gallant was announced.
He stated that he must now “join the fight for Israel’s future.
Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, tweeted that Benjamin Netanyahu had become “a threat to Israel’s security.”
Mr. Gallant asked a delay in the legislation until after Israel’s Independence Day next month, citing national security concerns.
Saturday, he stated, “I declare loudly and publicly that the legislative process must be halted for the sake of Israel’s security and the sake of our sons and daughters.”
Mr. Netanyahu’s office did not provide additional information, but his minister of public diplomacy stated that Mr. Gallant was summoned to the prime minister’s office to be informed of his dismissal.
He was informed that Mr. Netanyahu “no longer has faith in him, so he is fired.”
