Tally Gotliv’s Controversial Remarks
Likud lawmaker Tally Gotliv sparked outrage last week when she accused former United States President Barack Obama of paying Israeli news website, Walla, to publish articles against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gotliv made these comments in an interview with American press, outside a demonstration in support of the Israeli government’s proposed judicial overhaul.
The protests have been ongoing for the past few weeks, with hundreds of thousands of Israelis taking part across 150 separate locations. The coalition’s plans to bring most judicial appointments under government control and curtail the powers of the High Court of Justice have been met with widespread criticism, and Moody’s has downgraded Israel’s economic outlook from positive to stable due to the proposals.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s Contentious Relationship with Walla
The relationship between Benjamin Netanyahu and Walla is also contentious – one of his criminal trials revolves around alleged favors granted to the site’s then-parent company Bezeq in exchange for shaping news coverage. Gotliv’s claims about Obama corroborate concerns of political bias within the site.
Furthermore, Gotliv has been known to make incendiary comments in the past, including blaming a Supreme Court president for a deadly shooting attack and refusing to condemn a settler rampage on a Palestinian town. Her remarks regarding Obama were met with criticism from both sides of the political spectrum.
Heavy Skepticism Toward Negotiations
Despite the start of negotiations between opposition parties and the ruling coalition under President Isaac Herzog’s auspices, protest organizers have continued to express heavy skepticism toward any agreements created through this process. Critics have claimed that any change to the nation’s judicial selection panel as desired by the government “will begin a process that will turn the State of Israel into a messianic dictatorship.”
Protests across several cities continued last week, with Oppostion leader Yair Lapid speaking at an anti-reform protest in Netanya. He criticized the government for being afraid of determined citizens who are unwilling to give up.
Dan Halutz Urges Opposition Heads to Back Out of Negotiations
Former IDF Chief of Staff Dan Halutz urged opposition heads to back out of negotiations with the government for a compromise legislative package. Despite this, coalition and opposition negotiating teams were expected to begin marathon talks this week at the President’s Residence with the hope of reaching an agreement over the judicial reforms by the time the Knesset begins its summer session on April 30.
Police have been taking precautions in preparation for protests, including closing roads in Tel Aviv and Haifa. Protest organizers warned that any potential conflict will only increase their determination to continue opposing the proposed judicial overhaul.
In conclusion, Gotliv’s allegations against Obama and her previous controversial remarks have generated much criticism while protests against judicial reform in Israel continue amidst skepticism toward negotiations. Netanyahu’s relationship with Walla has also been under scrutiny due to one of his criminal trials. Time will tell whether compromises could be reached through ongoing negotiations or if protests will continue for the foreseeable future.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
