Netanyahu says proposed judicial override clause could go too far

BERLIN — In response to a question from The Times of Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls for the opposition to sit down and talk in order to reach as broad a consensus as possible for judicial reform.

He charges that opposition leaders have not shown a desire for compromise, suggesting their real goal is chaos and the collapse of the government rather than a real solution.

He also says he is aware that the proposed override clause must be done carefully, or else it could create what he describes as a new imbalance. “If we do that, it’s just as bad.”

“Democracy is not majority rule, but it’s also the security of those who are minorities and who might always remain minorities,” cautions Scholz, in response to a question.

“What is democracy? The balance between the will of the majority and the rights of the individual,” counters Netanyahu, saying there must be the proper balance between branches of government for that to happen.

He argues individual rights will be better protected after the changes, as will Israel’s economy.

Netanyahu says he will return to Israel, consult his advisers, and decide how to move forward, likely without a partner from the opposition.