Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that efforts are underway to reach a consensus on a proposed judicial reform law, which is expected to be approved by the Israeli Parliament next week amid internal and external outrage and protests. Netanyahu stated in a speech, "Even at this moment, I tell you that efforts are ongoing to achieve a consensus," referring to the controversial first part of the proposed judicial amendments. He added, "I truly hope these efforts succeed, but even if they do not, the coalition's door will always remain open to the opposition."
Parliament members are expected to vote on the first part of the amendments, known as the "Reasonableness Standard Law," next Monday. If approved, the law would prevent the judiciary from overturning government decisions or appointments deemed "unreasonable." Opposition leader Benny Gantz called for talks overseen by the Israeli president to reach a compromise. Proponents of the law argue that it will restore balance among governing bodies, while opponents claim it removes checks on government power and disrupts balances.
Organizers of the protests have called for a night of demonstrations today, Thursday, and local media reports indicate that protesters have blocked major roads in the cities of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
