Netanyahu Ally Yoav Gallant implements explosives plan to transform judiciary

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Saturday that attempts to reshape and weaken the judiciary pose a threat to national security — the first major rift in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government.

“The deepening division is seeping into military and defense institutions. This is a clear, imminent and real threat to Israel’s security,” Gallant said in a televised address.

“For the sake of Israel’s security, for the sake of our sons and daughters, the legislative process must stop at this point.”

The plan to overhaul the judiciary has sparked a national crisis in Israel. Tens of thousands of Israelis filled the streets in protest on Saturday night. Some opponents of the plan have said they will refuse conscription if the government goes ahead.

Gallant’s call to halt the movement – which Reuters said had public support from two fellow Likud party activists – comes days before a crucial vote on a bill that would give the government more control over judge appointments.

Netanyahu – who is on trial on corruption charges and spending the weekend in London – had no immediate public reaction to Gallant stepping out of line. But Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the PM should fire him.

Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi apologized to right-wing Israelis “that our defense minister gave in to pressure from the left.” Jerusalem Post reported.

“We will not annul the referendum to please the elite and the media.”