The head of the Israel Air Force warned Friday that the country's enemies might exploit the political crisis triggered by the judicial reform.
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"It's possible that at a time like this they [Israel's enemies] will try to test the frontiers, our cohesion and our alertness," Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar said in an address to his forces, according to a statement released on Friday. He did not elaborate.
Video: Anti-reform protests in Jerusalem. Credit: Yoni Rikner
Bar said his forces needed to remain "vigilant and prepared" after the Knesset on Monday passed the first of the contested bills, removing the Supreme Court's authority to void what it deems "unreasonable" decisions by government and ministers.
The overhaul being pursued by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Coalition has sparked a seven-month crisis, spurring unprecedented protests, opening up a deep social divide and straining the loyalties of some IDF reservists.
Demonstrators accuse Netanyahu of working to curb court independence even as he argues his innocence in a graft trial. Protest leaders said demonstrations would continue on Saturday, with actions planned in 150 locations.
As the crisis escalated following Monday's vote, Israeli media said Netanyahu received at least four letters from Military Intelligence warning of serious security ramifications due to the judicial overhaul. According to the reports, senior intelligence officials said Israel's enemies – particularly Iran and its proxy in Lebanon, Hezbollah – view the crisis as a historic low point in the country's history.
A spokesperson for the prime minister declined to comment.
Netanyahu earlier went on the offensive, giving several interviews to US media late on Thursday. Speaking to ABC News, he said the amendment to one of Israel's Basic Laws, which functions as a formal constitution, was "a minor correction" to an "activist" court.
"It's described as the end of Israeli democracy – I think that's silly and when the dust settles, everybody will see it," he said.
On CNN, Netanyahu sidestepped a question on whether he would obey a potential Supreme Court ruling quashing Monday's amendment.
Opposition leader Benny Gantz said Netanyahu would be "implementing a judicial coup" if he failed to adhere to a ruling by the court.
Political watchdog groups have appealed to the Supreme Court to strike down the new law, paving the way to a showdown among branches of government when it hears the arguments in September. The legal tussle could begin next Thursday, when the top court will hear an appeal against a coalition bill ratified in March that limited conditions for removing the prime minister from office.
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