Addressing public, PM says ‘time to talk,’ but signals he will not pause legislation

In a statement addressed to the public, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says: “People of Israel, it’s time to talk.”

The premier says he is aware of worries over the plan to overhaul the judiciary, and says he backs negotiations “to reach agreements or at least minimize the disagreements between us.”

This, he argues, “demands leadership and national responsibility” by opposition leaders,” while saying “unfortunately on the other side so far no one has risen [to the occasion].”

He says talks should be held “without preconditions, without excuses.”

Opposition leaders have said the coalition’s legislative blitz must be paused for talks to be held — a position backed by President Isaac Herzog — while the coalition has dismissed this as an illegitimate precondition and refuses to halt the legislation.