Likud MK says certain parts of government’s judicial overhaul ‘can be softened’

Likud MK David Bitan says he believes the government should talk with opposition figures about its plans to radically alter the judicial system, and thinks an agreement could be reached.

“I think we need to enter talks, that’s what is important at the moment, and pass a reform within that conversation,” Bitan tells Channel 12 news in an interview.

Bitan says he believes changes can and will be made to the current proposal: “There are no draft bills that enter the Knesset and don’t change during hearings.”

“I am convinced that we can soften some of the clauses” in Justice Minister Yariv Levin’s proposal, “but we have to talk — and the other side needs to understand that.”

National Unity party leader Benny Gantz has repeatedly called to hold conversations with the government over its judicial overhaul plans, but he has been largely rebuffed. Labor chief Merav Michaeli earlier today directly rejected any calls to take part in negotiations.