10:17 PM
Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Tel Aviv – (DPA)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that concerns about his plan to rein in the judiciary are wrong, as the move would cut unnecessary regulations and make the country a more attractive place for investment.
“To investors, I say keep investing in Israel, and you will reap the rewards,” Netanyahu said at a press conference on Wednesday, according to Bloomberg News.
Netanyahu returned as prime minister late last year after winning elections as part of a coalition with members of the far right.
Since then, Netanyahu has faced mounting criticism of his government’s plan for the judiciary, but he argues that, contrary to the claims of opponents, this plan will not harm property rights.
Tens of thousands of protesters have demonstrated against the proposals in recent weeks. The reform would give the coalition government more influence over the appointment of members of the judiciary and limit court oversight of the Knesset (parliament).
Earlier this week, a voting member of the Central Bank of Israel’s monetary policy committee stepped down, saying the changes posed a danger to the country’s democracy and its economy.
A group of more than 250 economists published on Wednesday a letter warning that the reform could harm the country’s credit rating and the ability of Israeli companies to increase their capital, Yedioth Ahronoth reported on its website.
Netanyahu, who was flanked by three senior ministers at the press conference, responded by saying, “I stress once again that judicial reform aims to return Israel to the family of democratic countries that lead the world.”
