The political and social crisis in Israel sharply worsened on Monday. Faced with the scale of the dispute, the government is preparing to delay the adoption of the justice reform which has set fire to the powder. One of the far-right coalition member parties has agreed to postpone the parliamentary debates on the subject until next month.
The main union called for a general strike on Monday, immediately followed by many sectors. The operation of Tel Aviv International Airport is severely disrupted. And the demonstrations resumed, the day following a restless night. The police fear clashes between supporters and opponents of the government project.
Take a break
Faced with this mobilization of historic magnitude,he influential members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party have encouraged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause. But his far-right allies threatened to leave the coalition if the project was suspended.
Benjamin Netanyahu negotiated with his government partners throughout the day, and in particular with the Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, classified on the extreme right of the Israeli political spectrum. Ben Gvir had openly opposed a suspension of the reform.
Resumption following Easter
At the end of the day, his Jewish Force party announced that it had agreed to postpone the judicial reform until this summer. The Knesset, the Israeli parliament, will adjourn next week for Passover. The text on judicial reform will be examined during the next session, following the holidays.
Jewish Force says it has obtained in exchange the creation of a National Civil Guard which will be placed under the authority of Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Immediate general strike, Ben Gurion and embassies stop
The pressure from the streets did not weaken during this important day. The country’s main trade union centre, the Histadrut, called an immediate general strike. “As soon as this press conference is over, the State of Israel stops. Our mission is to stop the legislative process and we will do it”, said Arnon Bar David, who heads the organization, early in the morning. The workers’ union at Ben Gurion International Airport immediately announced the immediate halt to plane takeoffs.