Tel Aviv, Europe Brief News – Tens of thousands of Israeli protesters have rallied in Tel Aviv against a controversial judicial overhaul, as defence minister Yoav Galant broke ranks to call for a pause in the process.
The latest demonstration to hit Israel’s commercial hub came days after the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, vowed to press on with the changes despite mounting international alarm.
But his defence minister said on Saturday that “we must stop the legislative process” for a month in view of the divisiveness of the reforms.
“The growing social rift has made its way into the [army] and security agencies. It is a clear, immediate and tangible threat to Israel’s security,” said Galant, who is a member of Netanyahu’s own right-wing Likud party.
“I am committed to Likud values … and placing the State of Israel above all … but major changes on the national level must be made through deliberations and dialogue,” he added.
His comments were welcomed by opposition leader Yair Lapid who hailed a “brave and vital step for Israel’s security”.
Galant called for the halt before lawmakers are due to vote next week on a central part of the government’s proposals, which would change the way judges are appointed.
Two other Likud lawmakers tweeted their support for Galant, raising questions about whether the government could count on a majority if it pushed ahead with a vote.
The Tel Aviv protest swelled on Saturday to around 200,000 demonstrators, according to Israeli media estimates.
