Report

Israel: As protests continue, defense minister reaches out

Audio 01:16

Israeli police confront protesters blocking a highway during a protest against government plans, Saturday, March 25, 2023. AP - Ariel Schalit

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

In Israel, another evening of nationwide protests against parliamentary reform. The Israeli Minister of Defense proposes to suspend this reform for one month to allow consultation. A proposal that causes turmoil within the majority.

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With our correspondent in Jerusalem, Michel Paul

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Democracy ": it is always the same word on the lips of the demonstrators for the 12th consecutive week. Just this week, hundreds of thousands of them all over Israel, but especially in Tel Aviv, demonstrated against judicial reform.

A call heard by Defense Minister Yoav Galant of Likud, Benjamin Netanyahu's party. He declares himself in favour of an overhaul of the system, but asks for a pause to allow dialogue:

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The cleavage that is increasingly dividing society is affecting the army and security services, he said. This is a clear, immediate and concrete danger to the security of the country. Even judicial reform legislation must be suspended now for our safety and the safety of our children.

The minister is particularly concerned about the decision of air force and special forces reservists to no longer volunteer to serve in an undemocratic state.

Three other MPs from the party are backing the defence minister, which could call into question the outcome of a vote on the reform. The far right, for its part, is calling for the dismissal of Mr. Galant, while the Israeli prime minister was traveling in London.

► Read also: The Israeli Prime Minister ends a discreet visit to London

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Read on on the same topics:

• Israel
• Justice
• Benjamin Netanyahu