Israel: Former intelligence chief says Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul could cause civil war
A former intelligence chief called for a halt to the Israeli government’s planned judicial overhaul on Thursday, arguing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not "democratically elected to destroy Israeli democracy".
Speaking on Israeli Army Radio, former Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman said that the judicial overhaul could result in a civil war.
“He’s not committed to the state of Israel like when I knew him; I think today he’s committed to an impossible coalition,” he said.
Argaman also expressed fear about the future of Israel.
His comments came soon after the Knesset's Justice Committee paved the way for two votes on Monday on removing the so-called "reasonableness standard".
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The reasonableness standard is used to pass judicial reviews on decisions made by the government, ministries, and public officials.
It also allows judges to designate government decisions as unreasonable if they deem them irrational or biased.
Critics have argued that the reasonableness standard will have an impact on corruption trials and dismissals in the government, as well as preventing Israelis from being subject to arbitrary decrees.
“On Monday, a bill is expected to pass, after which I’m concerned we’ll become a different country. I’m fearful about the independence of our gatekeepers, and I’m fearful about Israel,” Argaman added.
'Horrible legislation'
Calling it “horrible legislation”, Argaman also called on his successor at the Shin Bet to show Netanyahu what the consequences of the legislation will be.
“I am extremely worried that we’re at the beginning of a civil war,” he said when asked why he was choosing to speak out about the subject now.
The government’s planned judicial overhaul bills have split opinion and triggered widespread protests since the start of this year.
Earlier this week there was a “day of disruption” when protesters gathered across the country and shut down key roads and train stations, denouncing the proposed changes that they argue are paving the way for a more authoritarian government.
The controversial judicial reforms also inspired hundreds of Israeli reservists to march in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, saying they would refuse to volunteer their service if the government presses ahead with its plans to curb the power of the Supreme Court.
Hundreds of officers, who mainly serve alongside fighters in the elite field units and provide intelligence, have already terminated their services.
Earlier this month, several former senior Israeli Air Force officers also backed the call to potentially refuse to serve due to the judicial overhaul.
The retired commanders, generals and other senior officers issued a letter, saying that they publicly back and unconditionally support: “Every form of protest, including the immediate suspension of volunteering, fully recognising the repercussions of ceasing flight activity."
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