Israeli Prime Minister Fires Defense Minister Over Judicial Reform Conflict

Gallant’s Call for Halt to Judicial Reforms Sparks Rift in Coalition Government

The political turmoil in Israel continues to escalate as Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he publicly called for a pause in the government’s controversial drive to overhaul Israel’s court system. The proposed judicial overhaul would grant the government control over the appointment of judges, while parliament gains power to override Supreme Court decisions.

Gallant’s call for a halt to these reforms sparked weeks of protests, with some military reservists pledging to pull out of their service. Critics argue that the plans threaten the foundations of Israeli democracy, while the government argues they are essential to rein in the Supreme Court’s power. Gallant’s firing has opened a rift in Israel’s already delicately balanced coalition government that could mean the plans are unable to advance.

Netanyahu Accuses Gallant of Working Against the Government

In response to Gallant’s public statement, Netanyahu summoned him for a meeting and accused him of working against the government and the coalition and sabotaging efforts to reach a solution. “I won’t let anyone undermine our democracy,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

However, critics say that Netanyahu might be pushing through these changes because of his own ongoing corruption trial, which he denies. A part of the bill which effectively strips the courts of the power to declare a prime minister unfit for office has already been pushed through.

Protests Erupt Following Gallant’s Sacking

The firing of Gallant has angered antigovernment protesters and escalated the instability faced by Israel since the introduction of the judicial overhaul plan earlier this year. The move prompted protests in several cities across the country, including Tel Aviv, Haifi, and Jerusalem.

Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s decision to fire Gallant and called him a danger to the security of the State of Israel. Opposition lawmaker Benny Gantz stated that Netanyahu put politics and himself above security.

Israel’s High Court has given Netanyahu a week to respond to a petition calling for him to be held in contempt of court, following his violation of a court-imposed conflict of interest order.

International Concerns Over Israel’s Judiciary Reforms

The proposed changes have attracted international concern from some of Israel’s closest allies, including President Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Biden administration expressed its concern about the ongoing developments in Israel and stressed the need for compromise and adherence to democratic values in the U.S.-Israel relationship.

The military reservists’ protest is seen as a particular worry for Israel’s government, as they are regularly called up to train and serve even in peacetime. The firing of Gallant also led to the resignation of Israeli consul general in New York, Asaf Zamir.

Uncertainty Looms Over Future of Judiciary Reforms

The first part of the judicial overhaul plan is scheduled to be voted on next week, which would grant the governing coalition an automatic majority on the panel that appoints Supreme Court judges. However, with Gallant’s firing and mounting criticism from opposition lawmakers, it remains uncertain whether the judicial reforms will advance.

Netanyahu and his allies control 64 seats in the 120-seat legislature, but lawmakers can abstain or be absent, bringing down the number of votes a law needs to pass. As uncertainty looms over the judiciary reforms’ future, the political instability in Israel continues to escalate.