Judicial Reforms in Israel; Voting Begins, Herzog Describes Situation as 'Emergency'

The Israeli parliament, the Knesset, began final voting on Monday regarding Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial proposed changes to the country's judicial system. This voting follows the failure of political discussions aimed at easing tensions over this issue, which is considered one of the worst crises in Israel in recent decades. Reuters reported, citing a reliable source, that Isaac Herzog, the President of Israel, who has called the current deadlock a 'national emergency situation,' is still trying to create a compromise regarding Netanyahu's proposed reforms. Meanwhile, police used water cannons to disperse protesters who had blocked the street outside the Knesset building. The likelihood of a compromise is low, and Yair Lapid, the opposition leader, told Israeli television channels just minutes before the voting began: 'It is impossible to reach an agreement with this government to protect Israeli democracy.' In his speech in the Knesset, Lapid also stated: 'We are heading towards disaster. If you vote for this bill, you will weaken Israel, the people of Israel, and the Israeli Defense Forces.' In contrast, Yariv Levin, Israel's Minister of Justice, said in his speech that there is no reason to fear the approval of the reforms and that the proposed changes would restore the balance between the branches of government. As more banks and businesses join the protests, pressure on the Israeli Prime Minister has increased. He, who underwent surgery early Sunday to install a heart pacemaker, was discharged from the hospital on Monday. The United States has urged Netanyahu to compromise with the opposition, but Netanyahu's extremist allies are calling for the approval of the judicial reforms. The ongoing crisis in Israel has also spread to the military, with thousands of reservists warning that they will refuse to serve if Netanyahu's proposed reforms are approved. However, the majority of Knesset seats are held by the coalition led by Netanyahu, and it seems that his proposed reforms to limit the powers of the Supreme Court to overturn government and ministerial decisions will be approved. Benjamin Netanyahu will participate in the Knesset voting session after being discharged from the hospital.