Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced today, Wednesday, that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's camp and his political rivals have received proposals regarding judicial reforms that could end the crisis Israel has been facing for months. The religious-nationalist coalition led by Netanyahu launched a campaign in January to amend the Israeli judiciary, which sparked unprecedented protests, led to a decline in the value of the shekel, and raised concerns among allies about the state of democracy in Israel. Herzog did not provide details about the new settlement proposal, merely stating that it offers a basis for immediate agreements that would keep Israel as a "stable democracy."
In a memorial speech in the village of Latrun, Herzog said, "Allow me to reveal for a moment what is happening behind closed doors... This proposal enjoys broad support among the coalition and the opposition... Now is the time for a solution. Now is the time to make a decision that reflects leadership." Herzog's remarks came a day after the Israeli Supreme Court held a historic session, where its full 15-judge panel met for over 12 hours to hear appeals against a law that limits certain judicial powers passed by Netanyahu's coalition in July.
Netanyahu claims that the judicial reforms aim to balance branches of government by restraining a court that has become overly interventionist. Opponents argue that these measures undermine court independence, promote corruption, and jeopardize the vital checks and balances of democracy in a country without a formal constitution and a unicameral parliament largely controlled by coalition governments.
