Germany Criticises Court Reforms As Coalition Shows Signs Of Strain

Barak Ravid at Axios: "German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told Foreign Minister Eli Cohen at a press conference after their meeting that Germany was very concerned about the legislation in Israel to weaken the judicial system and the intention to pass a death penalty law. Why it's important: This is the first public criticism by the German government of the Netanyahu government's plan to weaken the judicial system, after several quiet messages from Berlin in recent weeks."

• The German FM's comments come as PM Benjamin Netanyahu's gov't shows some signs of strain over the judicial reforms, the role of religion in Israeli politics, and escalating violence between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank.
• Deputy PM Avi Maoz resigned from office on 27 Feb, citing that "...there is no serious intent to implement the coalition agreement regarding the administration of national Jewish identity." Maoz is the sole Knesset representative from the hard-line right-wing Noam Party, and his inclusion in the gov't caused shockwaves in secular and liberal circles. He stated that he will continue to support the gov't, but could prove more of a vocal influence on gov't policies from outside the Cabinet.
• Israel remains in a state of heightened political and social tensions. The judicial reforms continue to spark mass protests against the gov'ts measures and have led to statements of concern and opposition from the business community and international allies.
• Rising violence in the West Bank acts as a further source of risk. The violence hit new heights over the past 24 hours with Israeli settlers rampaging through Palestinian communities following the killing of two settlers by a Palestinian gunman.