Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party and Benny Gantz’s Blue & White on Tuesday revised their coalition agreement after Israel's top court criticized several causes of the deal and gave both parties 24 hours to make the pertinent changes.
The High Court of Justice expressed concerns about three clauses in the unity government agreement on Monday, during a petition hearing that claimed an indicted politician cannot be tasked with forming a government. On Thursday, Netanyahu's mandate to form a coalition is set to expire, which could plunge the country into another election.
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L-R: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Chief Justice Esther Hayut, and Blue & White party leader Benny Gantz
(Photo: AP, Oren Ben Hakun)
A clause that bars the appointment of senior officials during the unity government's first six months was shortened to 100 days.
Another clause that doesn’t allow for most non-coronavirus-related legislation to be advanced for the first six months of the government was dropped, but both parties have agreed to give priority to laws aimed to fight the pandemic.
Moreover, Likud and Blue & White have decided the emergency orders meant to rein in the spread of the deadly pathogen will not be extended beyond six months.
The judges' panel implored the parties to uphold the customary practice of giving the opposition a number of Knesset committees. Likud and Blue & White refused, however, saying such a move will keep all committees in the hands of the coalition. They added the move is not unprecedented and has occurred in past governments.
Netanyahu slammed the High Court on Monday evening during his address to the nation - where he introduced further leniencies to health orders.
"In a democracy, he who gets the majority, leads the people," said Netanyahu. "I was elected by a majority vote. A huge majority of people want me to lead the government that we are working to establish. It is not appropriate for any element, neither clerks nor judges in court, to interfere with this basic component of democracy.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in protective face mask during first Knesset vote on Basic Law that will allow establishment unity government
(Photo: Courtesy of Knesset)
"The agreement with Blue & White was crafted very carefully and tearing chunks of it will undermine it. Any intervention increases the likelihood of a fourth election, which would be a disaster for the State of Israel. I hope the High Court doesn't do that."
Blue & White officials voiced concerns that such a move may lead Likud to back down from the agreement at the last minute and Netanyahu will try to recruit 61 lawmakers to recommend him for the position of prime minister.
The High Court judges' panel will deliver their ruling sometime before Thursday.