ADL calls on Israeli parties to negotiate over judicial overhaul, avoid ‘threats’

The Anti-Defamation League calls for Israel’s political parties to work together to negotiate judicial reforms, warning leaders against “intimidation, incitement and threats.”

In a statement, the US-based organization says it supports President Isaac Herzog’s initiative to bring together the heads of the political factions to discuss the issue, which has sharply divided the country, as well as the international Jewish community.

“We implore all parties to exert responsible leadership and avoid incendiary rhetoric,” the ADL says.

“At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, the Jewish people cannot afford such acrimony and division. We urge all sides in Israel and the Diaspora to remain committed to reasonable compromise and constructive discourse,” it says.

Without overtly weighing in on the specific proposals, the organization implies concerns over the government’s current bills, which leading legal experts have warned would weaken Israeli democracy and put minority rights at risk.

“We further call on leaders to commit to upholding democratic values and the protections of minorities enshrined in Israel’s founding Declaration of Independence,” the group says.