Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has chosen to only partially implement the proposed judicial reforms, focusing solely on altering the judge selection committee while shelving other aspects of the initiative.
This action appears to be a shift from his previous stance and may be viewed as a significant concession to protestors rallying against the proposed changes.
Netanyahu expressed his aim to strike a balance between an overly activist judiciary and a legislative body that could arbitrarily override judicial decisions.
His stance was explained during an interview in which he projected an image of a leader striving to maintain political stability amidst the country’s largest anti-government protest movement.
The Prime Minister also sought to reassure financial markets, unsettled by ongoing unrest, by encouraging investment in Israel.
Netanyahu’s decision to focus only on the judge selection process still faces opposition, particularly following the government’s move to eliminate another judicial tool to limit court oversight powers.
This judicial reform initiative, launched after Netanyahu returned to power with a coalition of right-wing, ultra-Orthodox, and nationalist parties, was met with mass protests fearing an erosion of the country’s democracy.
Although attempts to compromise between Netanyahu’s cabinet and the opposition failed, the Prime Minister remains hopeful for an equitable compromise.
Despite extensive protests and increasing market volatility, Netanyahu pointed to Israel’s solid fundamentals and highlighted investments by major companies, reaffirming his commitment to “peace, prosperity, and security”.
The ongoing political instability has also influenced monetary policy, prompting more substantial tightening by the central bank than initially anticipated.
The Prime Minister applauded the central bank’s independence and the performance of its governor, Amir Yaron while noting that he has yet to decide on Yaron’s future appointment.