Gallant Open To Apologising For Timing Of Judicial Overhaul Speech

The Times of Israel reports that Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant is considering issuing an apology for the timing of his plea for a pause to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's contentious judicial overhaul as talks are ongoing on ways to keep him in his post.

• Netanyahu's office said that Gallant was being sacked as Defence Minister following his televised address in which he called on the ruling coalition to halt its judicial reforms. His ouster led to an escalation in street protests and the Prime Minister eventually pressed pause on the reforms.
• Reports in the local media suggest that Gallant's sacking is hanging in the air, as he has not been served an official notice of termination and continues to perform his duties as normal, with a number of senior Likud officials asking the Premier to reconsider his decision.
• Kan and Walla reported that Gallant was open to apologising for the timing but not the substance of his speech as part of a proposed compromise deal which could see him keep the defence portfolio. Meanwhile, Netanyahu reportedly held talks with several potential candidates to replace Gallant, including Economy Minister Barkat.