Netanyahu delays judicial reforms as mass protests continue in Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he's delaying his controversial judicial reforms, amid a growing political crisis which he said posed a "real threat to national unity".

The country's biggest trade union federation has called off strikes planned for tomorrow, although protestors who want the measures scrapped altogether say they will continue with their demonstrations.

It seems the delay was only agreed after a major concession to one of Mr Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners.

Protests last night descended into violence and rival factions are out on the streets of Jerusalem again tonight.

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[mightybagrutlord]

A local's P.O.V:
Netanyahu tried to subdue the ENTIRE state's judiciary system to politicians' rule. He wanted the supreme court and its president to be appointed only by the coalition parties. Making all judges' careers dependant on politicians.
Israel does not have two houses or a constitution. The supreme court is its goverment's sole "checks & balances" element, and it must remain independant. Being the only defense the israeli citizen has from state tyranny.
This is a power grabbing attempt that preys on real problems that need a proper fix.

[Morning]

People around the world are saying NO to fascism.

[izharbetor]

as an israeli i have to thank you for getting it public we are fighting for our life .Netanyahu only care for himself he is trying to pass a law which saves him from 3 charges that can put him in jail for a life sentence so he is trying to take control on the only thing that can stop him

[donttrip]

Solidarity with the Israelis and to anyone anywhere in the world saying no to fascism.

[CaminoAir]

How is delaying these (cough) 'reforms' going to avoid the kind of massed public protests and peaceful disruption seen today? I can't see how any government tactics are going to get around that, no matter how cynical.

[ajdolphin]

This means he's going to delay it and pass it in the middle of the night oneday

[jackdubz]

Delay? That just means put off until a later date. Netanyahu needs to resign and hand himself over to the authorities. He must see that he can't escape justice.

[muhammad-bin-american]

Ehud Barak was probably the last rational minded PM of Israel since Rabin. The reality is the struggle we face today is not one between religions or ideologies. Its between freedom and full blown dictatorship. Its clear where guys like Netanyahu, Modi, Trump...stand.

[RudeBoy]

Inspiring - power to the people! Never give up!

[fredrit]

Massive respect for the Israeli people, they have demonstrated that wannabe dictators like him can be stopped in their tracks without major violence, it's kind of unprecedented in modern democracies, I hope they can keep the momentum and eventually force him to resign
He's a danger to democracy and freedom, he ticks all the boxes...

[live_free_or_perish]

I dont think Netanyahu realizes the consequences of going forward with this legislation. It will split apart the Jewish community and leave Israel without the support it depends on to exist. Self-serving religious right is turning Israel into a theocracy.

[CoreyChambersLA]

Being based on a particular religion, Israel has something in common with Iran.

[ZiggyMercury]

As an Israeli, that's a very accurate item. In fact, I'm surprised by how accurate and encompassing it is, so kudos to Channel 4 for that.

[ofSeptember]

They should also protest the way their government treats the Palestinians.

[yasserothman]

So he refuses to say it is a mistake to consider himself above law in a country that claims to be the only democracy in the middle east

It begins with one concession then it will never stop after

u r inconsistent with urself u r unfit to Ur role

[tc]

Don’t stop protesting. A delay is not a dismissal.

[beerman]

Seems the whole world is full of anger and turmoil.... and full of ruthless power hungry despots .

[jarrodworrell]

"When religion and politics travel in the same cart, the riders believe nothing can stand in their way. Their movement becomes headlong - faster and faster and faster. They put aside all thought of obstacles and forget that a precipice does not show itself to the man in a blind rush until it's too late." - Bene Gesserit proverb, quoted by the Lady Jessica

Dune circa 1965. Still relevant today.

[sensorycircuits]

The power structures of old bigots are coming down.

[sharonHossan]

Come on BIBI please listen to the people.