Parties deny reports of breakthrough in judicial overhaul talks

Parties are denying reports of a breakthrough in negotiations over the judicial overhaul being hosted by President Isaac Herzog.

Hebrew media reports said the sides were close to compromise on two of the issues at hand, a “reasonableness” test for government decisions, which allows courts to strike down moves found to be beyond the bounds of reasonability, and representing the government in front of the courts.

Both of the major opposition parties involved in talks denied any breakthrough.

“There are no agreements at the President’s Residence,” says a statement from Benny Gantz’s National Unity party, adding that “there is a long way to go on all the issues.”

Yair Lapid’s Yesh Atid said that until all issues were resolved, “rumors of concessions and agreements are only unnecessary leaks.”

The leaks come a day after President Isaac Herzog interrupted talks to stress an urgent need for progress, six weeks into a process that has yet to yield any.