![]() ![]() Israel’s individual circumstances are unique, but the struggle resonates in many countries. It certainly does for most Israelis, who understand that Israel’s democracy is fundamental to the country’s identity, to its security and to its prosperity. That should give Netanyahu much to think about. Like others, he was implicitly suggesting that if Israel’s democracy weakens, its ties with the US could do the same. He pointedly told him that democratic values lie at the heart of the US-Israel relationship. In a recent call with Netanyahu, he urged him to compromise with the opposition. ![]() President Joe Biden has maintained a careful relationship with Israel, working hard to reaffirm US “unwavering support” for what is America’s principal ally in the Middle East, while keeping disagreements private. The US, Israel’s vital ally, is watching closely, too. White House scales up 'concern' rhetoric, marking rare involvement in Israeli domestic affairs Some, like President Isaac Herzog, have proposed compromise. Netanyahu and his supporters deny the law would end Israeli democracy, arguing that the legislation is a legitimate effort to bring more balance to a system where the courts are too powerful. On Monday, under nearly unbearable pressure, Netanyahu agreed to postpone the overhaul – which was being rammed through the Knesset – until the next legislative term. It might seem an arcane issue to trigger a massive popular uprising, but Israelis promptly concluded their democracy was at stake, and what followed was one of the most far-reaching, disciplined and determined waves of protests inside a democratic country in recent memory. Netanyahu denies the judicial overhaul has to do with his legal predicament. It created the possibility of escaping his own legal woes, since one of the controversial bills recently passed would make it more difficult for a prime minister to be declared unfit for office and would make the Knesset, now controlled by Netanyahu’s allies – not the Supreme Court – the arbiter of his fitness to serve. Embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces a slew of charges against him – mostly centered on allegations of fraud and bribery, which he denies – managed to put together a governing coalition by bringing in extremist right-wing parties who demanded enormous power in exchange for providing the necessary votes for Netanyahu to become prime minister.Ī key demand was a judicial overhaul that would, among things, allow the Israeli Parliament – the Knesset – to overturn certain Supreme Court rulings with a simple majority vote and to give the ruling parties control of judicial appointments.įor Netanyahu, the plan was convenient.
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