Tel Aviv, 29 June 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Israel's government does not want to push ahead with a controversial part of its originally planned judicial reform, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"I said the idea of an override clause, where the parliament, the Knesset, can override the decisions of the Supreme Court with a simple majority. I said. I threw that out," Netanyahu said in an interview published by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.

The part was considered a centrepiece of his government's plans, which have led to mass protests in the country since early January. Other parts of the reform, however, remained on the agenda, albeit partially adjusted.

Parts of his coalition criticized Netanyahu's statements on Thursday. Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir spoke on Twitter of a "capitulation" to the mass protests.

Netanyahu had initially suspended plans to restructure the justice system after massive pressure in March. However, negotiations between the government and the opposition failed to produce an agreement.

Then, about a fortnight ago, he announced his intention to push ahead with the judicial reform again. His government accuses the court of excessive interference in political decisions.

According to Israeli media, a law is to be passed in the next few weeks that would restrict the court's ability to declare government decisions "inappropriate."

Critics fear, for example, that crucial posts could thus be filled arbitrarily by the government. In addition, the composition of the committee for the election of judges is to be put back on the agenda.

More than 100 air force reservists reportedly announced this week that they would no longer volunteer for service if one of the draft laws on judicial reform is passed. Mass protests are expected again across the country on Saturday.

Photo: EPA