Edelstein calls for pause in overhaul blitz; doesn’t promise he’ll support it as is

Likud MK Yuri Edelstein, who earlier this week joined a call for dialogue on the judicial overhaul based on President Isaac Herzog’s proposals, declines to pledge that he will vote for the sweeping reforms in their current form.

“We have the opportunity to halt the legislative process for a limited period,” he tells Channel 12, “and to drop the talk of needing a 60-day halt” — as originally sought by opposition leader Yair Lapid.

If, after debating judicial reform for a few days, it becomes clear that the opposition is merely trying to play for time and opposes all changes, “and that it sees the entire judicial system as being sacred, then we can go back to the legislative track.”

Asked whether he will vote for the overhaul if there is no effort at dialogue with the opposition, Edelstein chooses not to directly answer the question, saying he doesn’t want to be presented with that kind of ultimatum.