Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to announce a “pause” in a controversial judicial review. according to numerous reports in the media of the country.

All reports cite “sources close to the prime minister” without specifying possible terms.

According to public broadcaster Kan, the Prime Minister will speak at 10:00 am. in the Knesset after lengthy nightly negotiations with his political allies.

The move is unlikely to win the support of all members of his coalition.

Hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets across the country last night after the prime minister fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallad after his former ally warned him that the overhaul was damaging Israel’s security.

At least two MPs from the ruling Likud party rushed to take a stand on the side of the defense minister a few days ago, asking for a freeze on the legislative process that has provoked strong reactions in the country in recent weeks. They say that the Minister of Agriculture – also from the Likud – is moving in about the same direction as Galland. Avi Dichter who reportedly asked Netanyahu to delay the proposed reform until at least the end of April.

For nearly three months, there have been weekly mass protests against the planned legislation and a growing wave of opposition from leading public figures such as the president, lawyers, businessmen and others.

Opponents of the revision drew a red line on the Judicial Appointment Bill, saying it would politicize the court, remove key restrictions on state power, and severely damage Israel’s democratic character.

Intervention by President Duke

Israeli President Isaac Herzog earlier today asked the government to halt the controversial judicial review, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fired his defense minister for opposing the move, sparking massive street protests.

“For the sake of the unity of the people of Israel, for the sake of responsibility, I call on you to immediately stop the legislative process,” the Israeli head of state wrote on Twitter.

It was preceded by the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Galand by the prime minister, in protest against whom Israel’s consul general in New York resigned on Sunday evening.

“I can no longer represent this government,” Asaf Zamir wrote on Twitter.

“I consider it my duty to ensure that Israel remains a beacon of democracy and freedom in the world,” Mr. Zamir said.

Controversial reform

Netanyahu’s coalition is pushing for changes to the judiciary that would give the government the power to influence the choice of judges and limit the power of the Supreme Court.

Supporters of the plan say it will curb the excesses of the Supreme Court and restore balance. His critics say it will weaken the courts, endanger civil liberties and hurt the economy.

The proposed plan led to weeks of protests across the country and alarmed the country’s Western allies.

Source: Reuters, Times of Israel.