Opposition brass puts kibosh on overhaul talks without legislative freeze

Carrie Keller-Lynn is a former political and legal correspondent for The Times of Israel

Then-prime minister Yair Lapid and President Isaac Herzog (left) at a memorial service marking 27 years since the assassination of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem on November 6, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/ Flash90)
Then-prime minister Yair Lapid and President Isaac Herzog (left) at a memorial service marking 27 years since the assassination of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, at Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem on November 6, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/ Flash90)

Formally responding to President Isaac Herzog’s announcement that a framework agreement on judicial reform is “closer than ever,” opposition party leaders Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz reaffirm in a joint statement their stance that the coalition must first halt its legislative march before dialogue can take place.

“We greatly respect and appreciate the efforts of the president to engage in dialogue and reach broad agreements,” Yesh Atid’s Lapid and National Unity’s Gantz write. “But in order to have honest and effective dialogue that will lead to preserving democracy and national unity, [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu must announce a complete, comprehensive, and actual halt to the legislative process.”

They add that previous calls to pause legislating and engage in talks “were trampled upon and met with refusal.”

“All attempts at shortcuts are a violation of real communication,” the two conclude.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.