Judicial shakeup architects invite opposition heads to meeting at president’s office

Justice Minister Yariv Levin and the head of the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, MK Simcha Rothman, issue a joint statement inviting opposition leaders to meet — as soon as this evening — at President Isaac Herzog’s official residence in Jerusalem to discuss the latter’s compromise proposal on the judicial overhaul plan.

“It is time,” they say, inviting Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and National Unity party leader Benny Gantz.

It is a significant development that signals an acceptance by the coalition of principles laid out yesterday by Herzog for such talks, although Levin and Rothman say the meeting must be held “without preconditions.” Herzog had urged the government to halt the legislative process during the compromise talks.

Channel 12 news cites sources close to Lapid and Gantz saying they are “weighing” the proposal. Some protest groups have urged them not to accept it.