Media Speculation Def Min Could Break Ranks, Oppose Judicial Reform

There is significant speculation among Israeli media outlets that Defence Minister Yoav Galant could break ranks with the gov't and call for a halt to the propsed judicial reforms that have seen months of sustained protest on the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Galant, a moderate within PM Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud Party, is set to deliver an address at around 1930 local time (1330ET, 1730GMT). Netanyahu will then deliver his own statement half an hour later at 2000 local time.

• Speculation also that the two Haredi parties in the right-wing coalition (Shas and United Torah Judaisim) are also beginning to sour on the propsed reforms.
• Earlier this week it was highlighted that tensions between Galant and right-wing hardliners in the coalition gov't were growing: https://marketnews.com/netanyahu-warns-coalition-t...
• If Galant calls for the reforms to be halted or resigns it could result in major ructions within the governing coalition. Netanyahu has been seen as being beholden to the right of his party, the far-right Religious Zionist Party, and ultranationalist Otzma Yehudit party. Backtracking on the reforms could result in further splits, as seen with the resignation of Noam MK Avi Maoz earlier this month.