"I will ensure that outside pressures – political, legal, and others – stop with me and do not reach the gates of the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)," Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said at the appointment ceremony for the new IDF top general, Herzi Halevi.
"I am now focused on two critical roles that I believe I bear as president at this hour: averting a historic constitutional crisis and stopping the continued rift within our nation," Herzog says.
The crowd at Tel Aviv's Habima Square had swelled to 80,000 people by 9 p.m. despite cool, rainy weather. Protesters, many covered by umbrellas, held Israeli flags and signs saying “Criminal Government," “The End of Democracy”.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut issues stark warning against the proposed reforms by Justice Minister Yariv Levin to limit High Court rulings against government moves or Knesset laws.
Herzog's rare entry into the political fray came shortly after Otzma Yehudit MK Zvika Fogel said that four leading members of the opposition, including Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, "are the most dangerous people there are at this moment."
Court asserts Aryeh Deri "cannot say he is retiring from public life and get the benefit of a convenient plea bargain and after a little while say the opposite and get appointed as an MK and minister."
The reforms presented by Yariv Levin – if adopted – would boost the power of the elected officials over the courts. Opposition Leader Yair Lapid denounces the plan, saying it "endangers the entire legal system of the State of Israel."
When asked about the political agenda for this year, the majority of respondents said that they were most affected by – and therefore most cared about – the economy, which surpassed even such major issues as defense, governance, and the expected judicial reforms.
The former prime minister meets with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan at the White House.
Avi Maoz, an MK in Benjamin Netanyahu's incoming government, calls the event “a promiscuous parade of abomination.” Prime Minister Yair Lapid calls on mayors to boycott Maoz.