Netanyahu vows to continue efforts to reach ‘broad consensus’ on judicial overhaul

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirms his intention to continue talks on the judicial overhaul at the President’s Residence, hours after passing the state budget and then immediately saying that the planned shakeup of the judiciary will return to his coalition’s agenda.

In a video message released on social media channels, the premier says, “We will of course continue with our efforts to arrive at a broad consensus agreement, to the extent possible, on the issue of judicial reform.”

“I believe with good will and real will it’s possible to come to agreements that will serve all citizens of Israel,” he says.

The prime minister also promises to fight the rising cost of living, less than a day after passing a two-year state budget that contains no measures targeting the most pressing issue for Israeli voters.

Netanyahu claims that the budget “gives stability and momentum to the economy and also gives four years of stability in our politics, which is an important thing.”

If the government had not passed the budget by its May 29 deadline, Israel would have been automatically sent to its sixth election in four years. Netanyahu’s coalition has now carved out an 18-month runway until it needs to pass the 2025 budget.