President of the State, Yitzhak Herzog, addressed this morning (Sunday) the controversies over the reform of the judicial system promoted by the new government.
""We are in the midst of a deep controversy that is tearing the nation apart. This conflict worries me greatly, and worries a large public in Israel and in the Diaspora," said the president.
He said, "The foundations of Israeli democracy - including the legal system - are sacred and we must guard them with all due care, even when there are fundamental debates and discussions about the relations between the authorities.".
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
Herzog emphasized: "I appreciate all those debating, involved, protesting and demonstrating, and the public's involvement in this important debate. I respect the criticism of me, but I am currently focusing on two critical roles that I believe are incumbent on me as the president of the state at this time: preventing a historic constitutional crisis and stopping the continued division in the nation.".
The president called for dialogue between the parties on the reform to be held under his mediation. "The President's Office is perhaps the only place today that enjoys the trust of all parties and is capable of holding a debate on the issue in a manner acceptable to all - both with open doors and behind closed doors.".
""Over the past week, I have been working constantly, in every way, and with unremitting efforts with the relevant parties, with the aim of creating a broad, attentive and respectful dialogue and discourse, which I hope will yield results. I honestly admit that I am not sure of the success of the move. There is goodwill on the part of the various parties on whom responsibility rests, but the road is still long and the gaps are significant.
""The principles of the Declaration of Independence and the Jewish and democratic outlines of our state are a candle to my feet, and I will not allow them to be harmed. We have a strong and diverse state and society, which has overcome many challenges in the past. I pledge to continue to act with all my might, and hope that we can find the right way out of this difficult crisis as well.".
Last night, the audience booed the president during a speech at a left-wing demonstration.
The newspaper 'Israel Hayom' reported last night that President Herzog is expected to hold a series of talks next week with senior officials in the government, the Knesset, and the judiciary with the aim of reaching compromises regarding the reform of the judicial system.
Herzog's goal is to open a channel of dialogue between the heads of the three branches of government. He hopes that within the framework of the dialogue, agreements will be reached on the nature of the reform in relations between the authorities.
