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Israeli security forces use water cannons to disperse protestors during demonstrations in Tel Aviv Israeli security forces use water cannons to disperse protestors during demonstrations in Tel Aviv  (AFP or licensors)

Netanyahu delays judicial reforms, strike called off

Trade unions in Israel called off a general strike after Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed a controversial bill intended to reform the judiciary.

By Nathan Morley

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed a controversial judicial reform bill that has provoked months of protests and a general strike.

In a speech carried on national television, Mr. Netanyahu warned that an extremist minority was tearing Israel apart.

Listen to Nathan Morley's report

Soon after, Israel’s trade unions called off a one-day general strike – but protestors said they would continue to demonstrate until the plans were scrapped entirely.

Mr. Netanyahu said the delay, until the next parliament session, would enable dialogue and prevent a civil war.

For the last 12 weeks, tens of thousands of citizens have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest the government's plan to cull Supreme Court powers.

Until last night, Netanyahu - who is facing corruption charges - said the overhaul was needed to curb what he described as an ‘overly activist’ Supreme Court.

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28 March 2023, 16:20