Herzog says compromise on judicial overhaul 'closer than ever'

After spending several weeks writing up an outline that will benefit both the coalition and opposition, President Issac Herzog tells 100 mayors and local council leaders that success now depends on the political leaders
Itamar Eichner, Sivan Hilaie|
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President Isaac Herzog on Monday convened 100 mayors and local council leaders in order to formulate an outline for dialogue over the government's judicial overhaul, claiming an agreement is closer than ever.
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  • Over the past several weeks, Herzog and members of research institutes worked to construct an outline that could act as a compromise over the legislative push by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
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    הרצוג עם חיים ביבס ושי חג'ג'
    הרצוג עם חיים ביבס ושי חג'ג'
    Isaac Herzog convened a meeting with mayors and local councils
    (Photo: PR Local Government Center)
    "There are behind-the-scenes agreements on most things," Herzog said, adding that agreement on the outstanding issues depends on the leadership in both the coalition and opposition and their ability to rise to the occasion and understand the alternative. "If they put the country and its citizens above all else, they may realize that this is a defining constitutional moment that were are facing and are able to use to our advantage," he said.
    2 View gallery
    הרצוג בפגישתו עם ראשי הרשויות
    הרצוג בפגישתו עם ראשי הרשויות
    Isaac Herzog convened a meeting with mayors and local councils
    (Photo: GPO)
    Herzog explained that the outline he is working towards takes into account the interests and goals of both sides. He said it would bring diversity into the judiciary, and broadly reflect the different opinions and communities.
    "It lays down important and historic constitutional foundations, it sets a healthy balance of powers between authorities, it maintains democracy and human rights," the president said. "It protects the minorities amongst us, and maintains the democratic and Jewish nature of the State of Israel."
    Opposition leader Yair Lapid urged the coalition to head the president's call. "I am calling on the coalition, to listen to the president. Announce an immediate freeze of the legislation and we will sit to discuss the outline he is preparing."
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    2.
    Keep Pushing
    I highly respect Pres Herzog's efforts, though if at the end the "reforms" are nothing but tinkering around the edges, then nothing will changes and the government will be defeated. The Chief Justice said yesterday that they need to keep control of the selection process, and other pundits are saying that governments can't over ride courts. On standing, nobody is speaking about limiting standing to only affected parties, limiting the number of petitions to a normal number, and there is still an AG office that is outside of the government. All these issues need to be addressed. As to the protesters, it is well and good to take major financing from the US State Department and foreign NGO's, but if it is mob rule, don't be surprised if and when there is a leftist government and nobody will respect that election.
    Elan| 03.06.23
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    1.
    I would not compromise and inch with the Left
    They had been offered to talk before, but they wanted to use this to rile people up, create anarchy and subvert the government. Now that they did that, they want to have their cake and eat it too?? I say, add even more to judicial reform. Purge leftists from all positions of power. They have been subverting the state and want to rule the country even when no one votes for them. They will destroy the country if you let them. Don’t let them!
    David| 03.06.23
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