Netanyahu set to suspend Israeli judicial overhaul plan after protests
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| Burger King Next? Too Risky! |
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| Israelis
gather outside the Knesset, carrying Israeli flags and anti-government
placards early on Monday, to protest against the government's plan to
introduce judicial changes. |
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce Monday that he is suspending his coalition's judicial overhaul legislation after a night of mass protests and the announcement of a general strike across much of the country, officials in his Likud party said.
Why it matters: Israel, including its economy, has faced instability and an unprecedented political and social crisis since the plan to weaken the country's Supreme Court was announced in January.
Driving the news: Netanyahu shocked Israel on Sunday when he fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who a day earlier called for the legislation's suspension, saying the plan "created an internal rift that poses a clear and immediate threat for Israel's national security."
- After Gallant was fired, spontaneous demonstrations erupted across the country.
- More than 100,000 Israeli protesters blocked Tel Aviv's main highway for hours Sunday night and thousands more demonstrated in front of Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem and in other cities across the country.
The big picture: In a rare move, the head of Israel's workers' union announced on Monday morning a general strike across the country until the legislation is suspended. Such a strike hasn't taken place in decades. Many of Israel's largest workers' unions are controlled by people affiliated with Netanyahu's Likud party.
- The private sector as well as workers in all government ministries and municipal authorities joined the strike. McDonald's even announced it was closing all of its locations in the country.
- As a result of the strike, Israel's international airport and kindergartens were shut down and hospitals started dealing only with emergency cases.
Behind the scenes: Netanyahu held intense discussions with members of his coalition government, aides and family members on Sunday night, Likud officials said.
- Some Likud ministers urged him to stop the legislation, with several going on television.
- Netanyahu on Monday morning held a meeting with the leaders of his coalition's parties during which Itamar Ben-Gvir of the far-right Jewish Power party threatened to leave the bloc if the legislation was suspended.
- In a dramatic turn later Monday, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who had also threatened to resign, issued a statement stressing that he would respect any decision Netanyahu makes regarding the judicial overhaul. He also said he would work to stabilize the coalition in order to prevent the government from collapsing. Levin's announcement gave Netanyahu important backing for suspending the legislation.
- Senior Likud members are pressing Netanyahu to reverse his decision to fire Gallant. Netanyahu hasn't sent Gallant a formal letter firing him, which means the 48-hour process of the decision coming into effect hasn't started yet.
What to watch: Netanyahu is expected to address the nation on Monday.