Netanyahu puts judicial plans on hold after mass protests grip country

Israel’s embattled prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced a delay to his far-right government’s proposals to overhaul the judiciary after 12 weeks of escalating political crisis.

- Bethan McKernan

He said yesterday he would delay his flagship judicial changes to the next parliamentary session, saying he wanted to give time to seek a compromise over the contentious package with his political opponents.

Speaking in a televised address last night, Netanyahu – looking tired and striking an unusually flat tone – said he was “not willing to tear the nation in half … When there’s a possibility of avoiding fraternal war through dialogue, I, as prime minister, will take a time out for that dialogue.

“We have the ability to pass the legislation with a strong majority,” he added, before praising the government’s supporters. “No one will silence you,” he said.

The decision to delay only postpones the issue for several weeks, and it is not clear if the protests will end.

In exchange for agreeing to the delay, the far-right Jewish Power party said Netanyahu had offered the formation of a civil “national guard”, causing concern about an armed group under the control of the far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir.

With corruption charges hanging over him, Netanyahu has been forced to rely on unruly, extremist coalition partners.

Although famous for working his way out of tight spots in the past, “King Bibi” appears to be losing his touch, struggling to maintain control both inside and outside the Knesset.