Sa’ar: Judicial overhaul just first step for coalition to govern forever

National Unity MK Gideon Sa’ar explains the opposition’s refusal to negotiate with the government over the judicial overhaul as long as they press ahead with legislation, calling offers for talks a fig leaf.

“Nobody should have any illusions. Once the current [overhaul legislation becomes law], that won’t be the end of it. There will be further moves, [including] to change the election rules so that they rule forever.

“They’ll move to boot the attorney-general; they’re already saying so… They are seeking a reality in which they can do whatever they want, without any constraints,” says Sa’ar, a former justice minister.

Asked why the opposition is not negotiating with the coalition, he says: “They’re not halting the legislation. They want to castrate the protests and tear apart the opposition. [With their disingenuous call for dialogue, even as the legislation advances, they want]… to gain legitimacy for legislation that is illegitimate,” he says.

“We won’t allow that. If there is a desire to reach a broad agreement, that’s something else. [As things stand], we can only oppose the legislation — it endangers Israel,” says Sa’ar.