New Delhi: Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Monday urged the government to immediately halt its controversial judicial reforms, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed his defence minister for similar demands, reported news agency AFP.
Herzog's statement came after protests in Tel Aviv where demonstrators accused the judicial overhaul package of endangering Israel's democracy.
"Last night we witnessed very difficult scenes. I appeal to the Prime Minister, members of the Government, and members of the Coalition: there are harsh and painful feelings. The entire nation is rapt with deep worry," Herzog said, PTI reported.
"Our security, economy, society — all are under threat. The whole people of Israel are looking at you. The whole Jewish People are looking at you. The whole world is looking at you," the ceremonial president in a statement.
"For the sake of the unity of the People of Israel, for the sake of the necessary responsibility, I call on you to halt the legislative process immediately," he emphasised, according to PTI.
He urged all the leaders in power to place the country's citizens above all else.
"I appeal to the leaders of all Knesset factions, Coalition and Opposition alike, to place this country's citizens above all else and to act with courage and responsibility without further delay. Wake up now! This is not a political moment; this is a moment for leadership and responsibility," the president asserted.
Israel’s Airports Authority said today that departing flights from the country’s main international airport have been grounded due to a strike that was called to protest the government's proposed judicial overhaul.
The flight cancellations are expected to impact tens of thousands of people.
Thousands of people took to the streets across Israel last night after Prime Minister Netanyahu sacked Defence Minister Gallant after he said on Saturday that the judicial overhaul "poses a clear, immediate, and tangible threat to the security of the state".
The Israeli PM's office issued a one-line statement: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided, this evening to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant."
The announcement was followed by more protests in Tel Aviv on Sunday, with protestors blocking a main highway and lighting large bonfires. Demonstrations also took place in Jerusalem, Beersheba, and Haifa.
Netanyahu's government is pushing ahead for a parliamentary vote this week on a centerpiece of the overhaul — a law that would give the governing coalition the final say over all judicial appointments.
The unrest sparked by Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s proposals to shake up the judiciary by severely curbing the High Court of Justice’s judicial review powers and the government's efforts to cement political control over the appointment of judges has met with resistance not only in the streets of the country but also abroad with thousands of Jewish diaspora members protesting during Netanyahu's visits to Italy, Germany, and the UK.
(With inputs from agencies)