Resumption of Judicial Reform Discussions in Israel; Hollywood Figure Testifies Against Netanyahu

Israeli lawmakers resumed discussions on a bill on Sunday that aims to limit the powers of the Israeli Supreme Court. Previously, the judicial reforms proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had sparked widespread public protests. The anti-government demonstrations forced Netanyahu to suspend his judicial reforms in March to allow for dialogue with opposition parties. According to Reuters, he deemed last week's negotiations unsuccessful and ordered the parliamentary review of judicial changes to be reinstated. The proposed changes include restricting the court's ability to rule against the government. Netanyahu's opponents argue that the judicial reform plan undermines democracy and is essentially designed to protect Netanyahu from corruption charges he faces. Netanyahu's supporters have stated that the new bill is a much milder version of the previous proposal, which sought to nearly eliminate the Supreme Court's power to rule against the executive branch. Meanwhile, Arnon Milchan, a prominent Hollywood businessman and producer, testified against Netanyahu in his corruption trial on Sunday. The court is in Jerusalem, but Milchan's testimony was conducted at the request of prosecutors in Brighton (England), near the residence of the 78-year-old man, and his testimony is expected to last several days. Prosecutors allege that Netanyahu improperly received gifts worth about $200,000 from Milchan and an Australian billionaire. The Israeli Prime Minister has denied any wrongdoing in this case and two others currently being heard in the same court. Netanyahu is accused of assisting Milchan regarding his business interests and visa status in the U.S. The Prime Minister described gift-giving among friends as normal behavior and claimed the court has political motives. Tens of thousands of Israeli protesters have demonstrated despite heightened security concerns. The U.S. has urged Israel to reach a compromise as soon as possible. Netanyahu suspended the approval process for the judicial reforms to prevent a 'civil war.' Opposition to Netanyahu's judicial reform plan led to the dismissal of Defense Minister 'Bibi.'