Opposition Leader Yair Lapid turned out an invitation by the Coalition to the 75th Independence Day ceremony next week in protest of the judicial reform.
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"My seat at the ceremony will remain empty. In three months, you have torn apart Israeli society, and no fake fireworks show can cover that up," he tweeted after being invited by Transport and Road Safety Minister Miri Regev, who is overseeing the event.
"If national unity were so important to you, you would not have dismantled our democracy, and you would have gone to work on behalf of the citizens of Israel," he said.
The judicial reform has been a source of contention since early January when the legislation was first introduced. It has since drawn weekly mass protests around the country, especially in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Opponents say the bill will dysregulate Israel's system of checks and balances and accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing criminal charges, of a conflict of interest.
Proponents, however, say it will balance the country's legislative, executive, and judicial branches, bringing Israel more in line with other democratic nations.
The torch-lighting ceremony, which is broadcast live to the nation, is held annually at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl and is considered the main state event for Independence Day. It marks the transition from the Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism into the eve of Independence Day.
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