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Last Updated on July 24, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

Title: Business Community Unites in Israel’s Judicial Reform Protest

In a dramatic move to protest against the government’s proposed overhaul of the judiciary, a leading business forum in Israel has called for a nationwide strike on Monday. The strike, which is expected to have a significant impact, will see banks, shopping centers, and gas stations closed, with some businesses operating at a reduced capacity. Notably, around 200 businesses in the high-tech sector and large legal organizations have also announced their participation in the strike.

The main objective behind this strike is to exert pressure on the government to halt the legislative push to remove the courts’ ability to review politicians’ decisions. Fearing that this change could undermine the independence of the judiciary, the business forum is urging other companies and organizations to join their cause and enter negotiations for a possible compromise.

The call for a strike comes in the wake of several days of protests and opposition to the proposed overhaul. Even reservists have taken to the streets to voice their concerns. The Histadrut, Israel’s largest labor federation, is also considering a general strike after the ruling Likud party dismissed a compromise proposal.

Amidst these mounting tensions, President Isaac Herzog has undertaken a last-ditch effort to find a compromise on judicial reform by engaging in discussions with the prime minister and opposition leaders. Reports suggest that opposition leader Yair Lapid is in support of Herzog’s proposal, while Benny Gantz opposes it. The organizers of the protests remain resolute in their opposition to any compromise.

Despite growing objections and concerns voiced by Israeli officials and international allies, the coalition is expected to push through legislation to cancel the judicial yardstick of “reasonableness.” This move has sparked alarms among critics who fear a potential erosion of democratic values.

Furthermore, the strike’s impact is not limited to the business community alone. Doctors in Israel have also joined the protest against the government’s legislative push, and the Israeli Medical Association is contemplating broader strike action.

The tensions surrounding the proposed judicial reform have even permeated the military, as IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi warned of the “dangerous” harm to military unity. In response, Halevi and opposition leader Benny Gantz held meetings to address the heightened tensions. Opposition leader Yair Lapid was provided with a security overview and emphasized the importance of national cohesion.

As the strike looms, the atmosphere in Israel remains charged, with both sides seemingly prepared to stand their ground until a resolution is reached. All eyes will be on President Isaac Herzog’s efforts to find common ground between the government and opposition leaders, hoping to defuse the mounting tension and pave the way for a possible compromise on judicial reform.