Israeli President Herzog: We are in a deep conflict that is tearing the country apart

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said his country is in deep conflict and is working to “avoid further fragmentation of society and a constitutional crisis.”

Herzog made a statement on criticism that the government did not take a clear stance against moves by the judiciary to transfer some of its powers to Parliament.

“WE ARE IN A DEEP CONFLICT”

Addressing the public in a video he posted on his Twitter account, Herzog said: “We are in a deep conflict that is tearing the country apart. This polarization worries me and most people in Israel and abroad. I respect the criticism leveled at me, but I am focusing on two critical points at this time, to avoid a historic constitutional crisis and further fragmentation of society.” he used the phrase.

Stating that the president’s house is “perhaps the only place” where all parties can trust and accept the issue, Herzog said he held talks with the parties to the crisis last week to create an environment for dialogue.

Noting that he is not sure if these talks will succeed, and that although the parties have “good intentions” on this issue, Herzog noted that the road is long and there are many points of divergence, “I will continue to work with all my strength. I hope that we can find a way out of this crisis.” He made his assessment.

NETANYAHU GOVERNMENT “JUDICIAL REFORM”

Moves by the Netanyahu-led coalition government to transfer some of the powers of the judiciary to Parliament are causing tensions between the government and the Israeli judiciary, especially the Supreme Court.

Justice Minister Levin announced on January 5 that they were planning a law that would limit the powers of the Supreme Court, reduce the influence of the judiciary over the selection of judges, and allow the Assembly to overturn judicial decisions.

According to the new judicial plan, the coalition government will increase the number of members from the current 9 to 11 in the judiciary appointment committee and will elect 7 of these members. This majority of members means that the government will have the exclusive say in the appointment of judges.

In addition, the Netanyahu government’s passage of the controversial law allowing Arye Deri, a former coalition partner convicted of corruption, to serve as a minister also sparked public outrage.

Some 80,000 people protested yesterday for the judicial reform in Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel. (AA)