There was a star alignment last night. Is this a sign? Pence was ordered by a judge to speak about his time with Trump who millions of Christians believe is a prophet – even a king! Pence is a Super Christian. Did he hear the talk about Trump being the messiah? Why divide our nation, like Orthodox Jews are dividing Israel – that is in chaos! Put up – or shut up! This is what I do. Below is my declaration I am the second coming of King David.
John ‘King of the Jews
Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus, Mars, and the Moon aligned in an arc across the evening sky on Monday, with some visible to the naked eye.
This is often called “a planetary parade” and was visible after sunset in the west.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi speak during a press conference in front of Michelangelo’s “David statue” after their bilateral summit in Florence, Italy, on Jan. 23, 2015. The head of Florence’s Galleria del’Accademia on Sunday March 26, 2023 invited the parents and students of a Florida charter school to visit and see Michelangelo’s “David,” after the school principal was forced to resign following parental complaints that an image of the nude Renaissance masterpiece was shown to a sixth-grade art class.MIC101
The planets Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Mars and Uranus will align in a row in the evening sky in late March 2023, peaking after sunset on Tuesday, March 28, experts say.Photo illustration | Pixabay
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after Trump’s address at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem in May 2017. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
It is 9:32 A.M. March 28, 2023. Last night planets and the moon aligned in the heaven. When I awoke I felt very heavy. I am seventy six, and have a major problem with my care giver, my former therapist, and my diabetes nutritionist. For reasons they struggle to understand, they took away thirty-six years of my sobriety, and depicted me – as insane! They are searching for a way to deny they did me wrong, fearing I will get an attorney. But, what I realize is, this is my major complaint…
“STOP ELECTING ME THE MESSIAH BY REJECTING ME IN EVERY WAY. YOU ARE DRIVING ME CRAZY!”
I read long ago that the messiah will be a scorned dirt-bag, the lowest of the low. Donald Trump is a candidate for King David – and the Messiah! He and I are running as Republicans for the office of President of the United States. I hereby challenge Donald to a Bible Thumping Contest on Fox News. Set up two podiums with two Bibles. We will blow the audiences mind with our revelations! I’m sure Trump knows the Torah by heart.
This morning I again considered contacting the diggers at Oak Island about the amazing revelations I own, and will offer to show them where REAL KNIGHTS TEMPLARS are buried. WE will got there together. But, will they do me wrong, and conspire to take my truths – and shove my face in the dirt?They will be doing just what God wants them to do, because God elected me the Messiah when I saw him on McClures beach in 1967, when planets lined up. I am – LIKE JONAH! I know what his mission was….TO TARSHISH! I know THE WAY!
Many Secular Jews are demonstrating in Israel while waving THE STAR OF DAVID! Allow me to place the five planets at the point of David’s Star, with the Moon overhead.
John ‘The Sober Nazarite’
Florence Mayor Dario Nardella said he would “personally invite” the American educator to the city, home of the statue, to “give her recognition on behalf of the city,” adding that “art is civilization and whoever teaches it deserves respect.” Confusing art with pornography is “ridiculous,” Nardella wrote.
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” That is: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” [Matthew 27:46]
While God and the Messiah are “connected” to one another, this psalm foretells how God had to separate from the Messiah. God turns His face away from the Messiah so that, as He dies, He may take the sins of Israel and of all mankind upon Himself.
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer,
and by night, but I find no rest.”
[Psalms 22:1-2]
God doesn’t save the Messiah but rather remains silent in the face of the injustice, the suffering and the torture that He is forced to endure.
By the way, Rashi’s commentary on this verse was:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_of_David
https://news.yahoo.com/israel-news-latest-protest-leader-050436212.html
As opposed to Christianity, the Jewish Messiah is not a savior. The Jewish Messiah is not a divine being. The Jewish Messiah will not come to repent us from our sins. All these ideas are dismissed and considered heresy in Judaism.
The word “Mashiach” translates to “the anointed one,” as in ancient times when new kings were anointed. Moshiach will be the anointed king at the end of days. In Judaism Mashiach will be a king who will be a descendent of King David (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Jeremiah 23:5), observant of Jewish law (Isaiah 11:2-5), a righteous judge (Jeremiah 33:15), and a great military leader.
What will happen then?
Maimonides writes: He will come in order to establish peace in the world; as the prophecy states (Malachi 3:24), “He will bring back the hearts of the fathers to the children”.
When Moshiach comes all Jews will return from exile to Israel (Isaiah 11:11-12; Jeremiah 23:8; 30:3; Hosea 3:4-5); there will be universal acceptance of the Jewish God and the Jewish religion (Isaiah 2:3; 11:10; 66:23; Micah 4:2-3; Zechariah 14:9); There will be no sin or evil; all Jews will obey the commandments (Zephaniah 3:13; Ezekiel 37:24); the Third and final Temple will be rebuilt (Ezekiel 37:26-27) and the Sanhedrin (Jewish high court of law) will be re-instituted (Maimonides Kings 11:1).
https://www.orthodox-jews.com/orthodox-jews.html#axzz7xGgeb5Sh
https://orthodoxwiki.org/David
The holy and righteous King David was the second king of all Israel, after Saul, around approximately 1000 B.C. He was also a prophet, having written a great number of the Psalms, and one of the Forefathers of Christ. The Church commemorates him together with all the ancestors of Christ on the Sunday of the Forefathers (December 11-17, depending on the day of the week on which the Nativity falls) and also on the first Sunday after the Nativity, along with Joseph the Betrothed and the Apostle James the Just.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David%27s_Tomb
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jerusalem-beyond-the-old-city-walls
https://www.learnreligions.com/star-of-david-2076778
Origins of the Star of David
The origins of the Star of David are unclear. We do know that the symbol hasn’t always been associated exclusively with Judaism, but was used by Christians and Muslims at various points in history as well. Sometimes it was even associated with King Solomon instead of King David.
The Star of David is not mentioned in rabbinic literature until the Middle Ages. It was during the latter part of this era that Kabbalists, the Jewish mystics, began to associate the symbol with a deeper spiritual meaning. One siddur (a Jewish prayer book) dated from 1512 in Prague displays a large Star of David on the cover with the phrase:
“He will merit to bestow a bountiful gift on anyone who grasps the Shield of David.”
https://www.learnreligions.com/star-of-david-2076778
David ruled over Israel and Judah from about 1008 to 968 B.C., yet God promises that David will once again rule as a resurrected king. God makes clear in several prophecies that David will rule over a restored kingdom of Israel and Judah after Christ’s return (Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23-24; Hosea 3:5).
https://www.gotquestions.org/David-kingdom.html
https://www.orthodox-jews.com/moshiach.html#axzz7xGgeb5Sh
Israel protests – news: Far-right groups attack Arabs at pro-Netanyahu march
Namita Singh and Liam James
Tue, March 28, 2023 at 2:27 AM PDT·23 min read
In this article:
Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister of Israel
Three arrests were made after far-right groups attacked Arabs during pro-government protests in Israel, as Benjamin Netanyahu delayed an incendiary power grab which would see politicians given a greater say in the courts.
Police said dozens of members of the extremist right-wing La Familia group were filmed attacking several Arabs in Jerusalem, in one case “savagely” beating a taxi driver and causing damage to his car.
Monday night saw clashes between opposing groups of protesters, who were out in their thousands on the streets of Israel’s major cities for a second night despite the prime minister’s attempt to diffuse the anger over his proposed judicial reform.
Mr Netanyahu in a prime-time speech on Monday night acknowledged the divisions roiling the nation and announced a monthlong delay for the legislation, saying he wanted “to avoid civil war” and seek a compromise with political opponents.
Opposition parties have started building teams to negotiate an alternative to the ruling right-wing coalition’s reforms, which would give Mr Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, and his allies the final say in appointing the nation’s judges, among other measures which critics say will weaken Israel’s system of checks and balances.
Key Points
- Netanyahu delays judicial reforms after mass action
- Far-right Israeli groups attack Arabs at pro-Netanyahu protests
- Protests set to continue despite delay
- Why are there protests in Israel?
Netanyahu suspends judicial overhaul after day of Israeli turmoil
04:40 , Namita Singh
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused his signature plan to overhaul Israel’s judiciary after a day of nationwide turmoil when workers joined a general strike against the proposal and hundreds of thousands of protesters took to the streets.
The plans by his nationalist religious coalition to hand control over judicial appointments to the executive while giving parliament the power to overturn Supreme Court rulings has ignited one of the biggest internal crises in Israeli history.
Announcing his decision late on Monday to suspend the plans until parliament returns after the break for the Passover holiday and Independence Day next month, Mr Netanyahu said the crisis required all sides to act responsibly.
“Israeli society is on a dangerous collision course. We are in the midst of a crisis that is endangering the basic unity between us,” he said in a prime time television address.
Ex-Israeli ambassador defends Netanyahu’s reforms
09:32 , Liam James
Former Israeli ambassador to the UK Mark Regev has defended Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul proposal, arguing that it was part of the government’s agenda when the prime minister was re-elected last year.
Speaking about the mass protests against the controversial reforms, Mr Regev told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “There were tens of thousands, maybe even hundreds of thousands of demonstrators on the street [in Israel], but there was a poll taken, and that was the Israeli election on 1 November.
“This government was elected with a majority and judicial reform was part of its agenda. Even people who voted for the government support the idea that this be done in a less confrontational manner, that this be done through consensus.
“I think there’s support on both sides of the legal divide for this process of dialogue, which I hope will succeed, but I’m not sure it will.”
He added: “All coalition governments involve compromises, and I’m sure Netanyahu from his perspective, didn’t get re-elected prime minister to see other people dominate the agenda.”
Far-right Israeli groups attack Arabs at pro-Netanyahu protests
09:02 , Liam James
Far-right groups attacked Arab passersby during pro-government demonstrations in Jerusalem, in one case “savagely” beating a man, police said this morning.
Three people were arrested for the assault which came as opposing protesters for and against a proposed judicial overhaul clashed across Israel’s major cities.
Among thousands of pro-overhaul protesters in Jerusalem were dozens of members of the extremist right-wing La Familia group, who were filmed attacking several Arabs, police said.
In one incident, police said an Arab taxi driver was surrounded by protesters who hurled objects at his vehicle and banged on his window.
The driver tried to flee via a nearby gas station, but was then “savagely attacked by the rioters who chased him and caused heavy damage to his car,” police said in a statement.
US hails Netanyahu’s delay to reforms
08:30 , Liam James
The US welcomes the decision on Monday by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay a decision on plans for a judicial overhaul until next month, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said.
The administration is urging Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible, Ms Jean-Pierre said.
“We welcome this announcement as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise,” she said. “A compromise is precisely what we have been calling for.”
“Democratic societies are strengthened by checks and balances, and fundamental changes to a democratic system should be pursued with the broadest possible base of popular support,” she added.
Israeli president calls for ‘immediate negotiations on Netanyahu’s reforms
07:57 , Liam James
Israel’s president Isaac Herzog has urged prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition party leaders to start an “immediate negotiation process” on judicial reform after Mr Netanyahu delayed his plans to hand the government greater power over the courts, The Times of Israel reports this morning.
In calls with Mr Yetanyahu and Yair Lapid, chair of main opposition party Yesh Atid, and Benny Gantz, Blue and White coalition leader, the president requested each side set up negotiation teams so talks could begin quickly.
Mr Gantz soon after announced that he had asked Knesset members Gideon Sa’ar, Chili Tropper, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, and Ronen Aviani, a lawyer, with leading the talks on behalf of his party, The Times reported.
How Netanyahu judicial plan sparked massive unrest in Israel
07:00 , Namita Singh
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul has unleashed the most intense social unrest in Israel in decades.
Tens of thousands of people have repeatedly taken to the streets against the plan – including spontaneous mass demonstrations that erupted across the country late on Sunday after he fired his defence minister for questioning the overhaul.
Here is a look at how Israel has been plunged into its most serious domestic crisis in decades.
How Netanyahu judicial plan sparked massive unrest in Israel
UK welcomes Netanyahu’s ‘pause’ to Israel’s controversial judicial overhaul
06:45 , Namita Singh
Britain has welcomed Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s delay to his judicial overhaul that has sparked mass protests.Foreign secretary James Cleverly urged him to seek a “long-term compromise” with his critics over the widely-criticised plan.
Mr Netanyahu announced the delay to the proposals from Israel’s most right-wing government in history by saying he wanted to “avoid civil war through dialogue”.
His proposed legislation would have protected him from being deemed unfit to rule, which critics say will shield Mr Netanyahu from his corruption trial.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak stressed the importance of upholding “democratic values” to Mr Netanyahu as they met in Downing Street last week.
On Monday Mr Cleverly said: “The UK welcomes the decision today by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause legislation to reform Israel’s judiciary.
“The UK enjoys a deep and historic relationship with Israel. As the prime minister stressed in his meeting with PM Netanyahu last week, it is vital that the shared democratic values that underpin that relationship are upheld, and a robust system of checks and balances are preserved.
“We urge all parties to find common ground and seek a long-term compromise to this sensitive issue.”
Is it safe to travel to Israel?
06:30 , Namita Singh
Tens of thousands of people have taken to the streets across Israel in a unified show of strength in protest against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Since the start of 2023, weekly protests have been held in opposition to Mr Netanyahu’s controversial plans to overhaul the judiciary.
Protesters have called on the reforms to be scrapped and for the prime minister to resign. On Sunday, however, Mr Netanyahu fired his defence minister after the former army general echoed the protesters’ calls to bring proposed reforms to a halt, prompting international concern.
But how does this affect travel to Israel? Here’s everything you need to know.
Is it safe to travel to Israel? Latest travel news
Watch: Israeli protesters light fire and block highway as Netanyahu sacks minister
06:15 , Namita Singh
Netanyahu still set to attend ‘Summit for Democracy,’ White House says
06:00 , Namita Singh
The White House says Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is still set to attend this week’s second “Summit for Democracy” convened by the Biden administration despite widespread protests over proposed legislation that critics say would undermine Israel’s independent judiciary.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Monday that Israel remains one of the 121 nations invited to participate in the summit, which will take place virtually and be hosted by the White House on Wednesday.
My colleague Andrew Feinberg reports:
Israel’s Netanyahu still set to attend ‘Summit for Democracy,’ White House says
The fallout from the Israel protests will be felt for years to come
05:45 , Namita Singh
The ‘reforms’ proposed by the hard-right coalition strike at the independence of the judiciary – and take away legal checks and balances on political actions, writes our world affairs editor Kim Sengupta.
The fallout from the Israel protests will be felt for years to come | Kim Sengupta
Voices: Israelis are reminding us that protests can work – but they’re not a cure-all
05:30 , Namita Singh
History shows that while popular demonstrations can affect change, there is often a backlash, writes Noah Berlatsky.
Israelis are reminding us that protests can work – but they’re not a cure-all
Can I travel to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv?
05:00 , Martha Mchardy
The FCDO current advises against all travel to the following areas only:
- Gaza
- the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar
- within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town and and within 500m of the border with Syria (the ‘Alpha Line’)
It advises against all but essential travel to:
- areas north of and including Jenin city, Burqin and Arranah in the north of the West Bank. This includes Jenin refugee camp and all areas north of this until the Jalamah checkpoint for access to Israel
- the city of Nablus, Joseph’s Tomb, and the Balata and New Askar refugee camps near Nablus and the village of Huwara, south of Nablus
While the FCDO does not explicitly advise against travel to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, current advice states it is aware of “a shooting incident in central Tel Aviv. If you’re in the immediate area you should take care and follow the advice of the local authorities.”
It adds: “In Israel and the West Bank, there is a risk of violent incidents, including stabbings, shootings, arson, vehicle rammings and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles.
“These incidents have involved protestors (both Israelis and Palestinians), Israeli security forces, and civilians (including Israeli settlers). There is a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any of these types of incident.”
What is the current UK government advice on travelling to Israel?
04:00 , Martha Mchardy
Current guidance from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises potential travellers to check with their travel company or airline for an update before travelling.
“In Israel, strikes were called on 27 March which will impact airports, ports, transport systems, hospitals and other sectors,” it reads.
“There have also been large political demonstrations across Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which have the potential to escalate and become violent.
“You should check the local news before travelling to see if there have been recent clashes, be vigilant, avoid any large gatherings or demonstrations, avoid areas which have been the site of recent violence and follow the instructions of the local authorities.
“If you are in a location where an Israeli security operation or armed clashes are ongoing, you should stay inside and wait for the local authorities to confirm that the situation is calm before moving to a different location.”
What effect could the judicial overview have outside Israel?
03:00 , Martha Mchardy
While the battle may seem like an internal Israeli matter, its outcome could have important repercussions for the region and beyond.
Netanyahu’s coalition allies are dominated by religious and nationalist hardliners who oppose Palestinian statehood and have close ties to the West Bank settlement movement. A weaker court system could clear the way for more aggressive settlement construction and even annexation of West Bank lands.
That could lead to further friction with the Palestinians, who seek the Israeli-occupied West Bank as part of a future independent state, as well as with Israel’s Western allies, who have voiced concerns about the overhaul and criticized the comments of some of his partners.
Israeli soldiers could also be more susceptible to war crimes prosecution in the Hague. One of Israel’s key defences has been that it has an independent judiciary capable of investigating and prosecuting wrongdoing by troops. A weakened judiciary could rob Israel of that defence.
Israel’s high-tech industry, the engine of the country’s economy, could also be affected. International agencies have already said they might lower Israel’s debt rating if the overhaul passes since the agencies consider a strong judiciary crucial to ensuring a good business climate.
A lower rating could make investors hesitant to do business in Israel and potentially lead companies with operations in Israel, including the world’s leading tech giants, to scale back their presence.
Israel protests: Where do we go from here?
02:00 , Martha Mchardy
The pause Netanyahu declared could help ease the tensions and buy him some time to find a compromise. But it also runs the risk of angering his far-right coalition partners — potentially threatening the stability of his government and risking the possibility of new elections.Any new election would once again likely focus again on Netanyahu’s suitability to govern while he faces serious legal problems.
What was the significance of the general strike?
01:00 , Martha Mchardy
Israel’s largest trade union is one of the most powerful institutions in the country, representing nearly 800,000 people across sectors that include health care, banking, government services, day-care and transportation.While the union has crippled parts of the economy in past labour disputes over the years, never before has it gone on strike to protest a political matter.
The decision was felt almost immediately. Israel’s main international airport cancelled all outgoing flights, stranding more than 70,000 travelers. Doctors and day care workers said they would stay off the job, and others were expected to join as well.The economy already has been hit by the protests, with the shekel currency tumbling in value in recent weeks. A protracted strike could have meant longer-lasting and deeper damage.
ICYMI: Israel protests in pictures
Tuesday 28 March 2023 00:00 , Martha Mchardy
What fuelled the latest protests?
Monday 27 March 2023 23:00 , Martha Mchardy
Israel has experienced nearly three months of mass protests since Netanyahu’s confidant, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, unveiled the overhaul in January.But the eruption of anger over Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s dismissal, organized quickly largely via the WhatsApp messaging app, was startling. In roughly one hour, tens of thousands of people blocked Tel Aviv’s main highway, and thousands more demonstrated outside Netanyahu’s Jerusalem home.
Gallant was the first Cabinet minister to break ranks and publicly call for a delay in the overhaul. With morale down and soldiers threatening not to report for duty, Gallant said that pushing ahead could hurt Israel’s military readiness.In security-obsessed Israel, Gallant, a gruff retired general, is among the most respected members of the new Cabinet. By attacking the man responsible for national security, Netanyahu may have crossed a red line — and unwittingly united this deeply polarized country by touching upon national security, one of the few areas of consensus.
What are the judicial reforms?
Monday 27 March 2023 22:00 , Martha Mchardy
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed judicial overhaul unleashed the most intense social unrest in Israel in decades before he announced that he would delay the plan.
The changes would give the governing coalition control over judicial appointments and weaken the country’s Supreme Court by granting parliament the authority to overturn its decisions and limiting judicial review of laws.
Opponents say the overhaul would upend the country’s delicate system of checks and balances by giving Netanyahu’s ruling coalition control over what is now an independent judiciary. They also say Netanyahu has a deep conflict of interest in trying to reshape the legal system while on trial.The government says the legal changes are necessary to streamline governance in the face of an interventionist judiciary.
Tel Aviv police use stun grenades to disperse protestors, according to reports
Monday 27 March 2023 21:58 , Martha Mchardy
Police are using stun grenades to dissuade anti-government protesters from breaching barriers to reach the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, according to The Times of Israel.
Police officers are also trying to disperse right-wing protesters blocking Menachem Begin Boulevard in Jerusalem, who are protesting against the juducial overhaul reforms being delayed.
Footage shows protesters setting a fire on the road and adding items like car tires.
Police in Tel Aviv use water cannon against demonstrators
Monday 27 March 2023 21:25 , Martha Mchardy
Police in Tel Aviv have used a water cannon against demonstrators who have taken to the streets again, despite a promise from the Prime Minister to pause his controversial judiciary reforms.
Israel protests: How did we get here?
Monday 27 March 2023 21:00 , Martha Mchardy
Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption in three separate cases, has been at the center of political turmoil that has plagued the country since 2019.After he was indicted, Netanyahu’s former governing partners turned on him, and he was unable to form a stable, lasting coalition. That led to a protracted political crisis that sent Israelis to the polls five times in less than four years.
After an 18-month political exile as opposition leader, Netanyahu returned to power late last year in a coalition with ultra-Orthodox and ultranationalist allies, forming the country’s most right-wing government ever. He denies wrongdoing in the corruption cases.
After taking power, key figures in Netanyahu’s Likud Party along with his governing partners pledged to quickly overhaul the country’s judicial system, which critics say is driven by a desire to push their ideological agendas with less judicial oversight.
Protests set to continue despite delay to judicial overhaul
Monday 27 March 2023 20:38 , Martha Mchardy
Some protest leaders say the protests are set to continue in Israel after prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he would delay controversial judicial reforms until next month.
Protests leaders say action will continue because the overhaul vote would only be delayed, not shelved.
“As long as the legislation continues and is not shelved, we will be on the streets,” said Dr. Shikma Bressler, one of the main leaders of the protest movement.
Dr Bressler said Netanyahu and his coalition colleagues are clearly determined to press ahead with their “dictatorship laws” in the next Knesset session, a month from now, Times of Israel reported.
“The statements of the prime minister and his extremist partners are an admission of their intention to bring the dictatorship laws back to the table in the next parliamentary session, harming the economy and the security of the country,” she said.
White House welcomes Netanyahu delay in judicial overhaul and urges compromise
Monday 27 March 2023 20:08 , Martha Mchardy
The United States has welcomed the decision by by prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to delay a decision on divisive plans for a judicial overhaul until next month, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Netanyahu on Monday delayed a decision on bitterly contested plans for a judicial overhaul until next month amid fears that the country’s worst national crisis in years could fracture his coalition or escalate into violence.
“We welcome this announcement as an opportunity to create additional time and space for compromise. A compromise is precisely what we have been calling for. And we continue to strongly urge Israeli leaders to find a compromise as soon as possible,” Jean-Pierre said.
The United States remains concerned about the situation in Israel and President Joe Biden has shared his concerns about a proposed judicial overhaul directly with Netanyahu, the White House said on Monday.
“We remain concerned by the recent developments,” White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters, calling for compromise.
Kirby noted that Israel had been invited to a U.S.-organized Summit for Democracy later this week.
Kirby said Biden has been “very forthright” with Netanyahu about his concerns. Asked if Biden was worried that Israel would devolve into civil war, Kirby said he was not.
He said U.S. concerns about the judicial reform legislation were that it would “fly in the face” of the principle of having checks and balances in government.
“All of that concern comes from … a place of respect and friendship and admiration for the Israeli people, for Israel as a country and for Israel’s democracy,” Kirby said.
In pictures: Israel protests
Monday 27 March 2023 20:00 , Martha Mchardy
Watch: Benjamin Netanyahu defends ‘democratic’ new judiciary reform
Monday 27 March 2023 19:40 , Martha Mchardy
Why are there protests in Israel?
Monday 27 March 2023 19:20 , Martha Mchardy
Thousands of people have taken to the streets of Israel evening to protest against prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial reforms to the country’s judicial system.
Chanting “the country is on fire”, demonstrators gathered outside Mr Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem on Sunday evening to demand the draft legislation be withdrawn, only to be dispersed by police water cannons. Bonfires were meanwhile lit along Tel Aviv’s biggest motorway, forcing road closures and causing traffic mayhem.
On Monday, the protests continued, while Israel’s largest union, Histadrut, which represents 700,000 workers across a huge variety of professions, called for an immediate general strike. Universities have closed their doors “until further notice” and flights from Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport have been grounded, as pressure grows to halt the legislation.
Joe Sommerlad reports:
Why are there protests in Israel?
Is it safe to travel to Israel?
Monday 27 March 2023 19:00 , Martha Mchardy
At the time of writing, all flights leaving Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary aviation hub, have been suspended until further notice due to widespread strikes announced by the Worker’s Union.
Flights that are already in the air will be the only ones permitted to land, it has been reported.
Despite this, passengers continued the check-in process without knowing if their flights would depart.
The live departures board shows flights scheduled to leave later in the day, but these are not expected to go ahead.
A spokesperson for the Worker’s Union said that if Mr Netanyahu stops the judicial reform legislation, flights will return to normal, the Jerusalem Post reports.
Read more here:
Is it safe to travel to Israel? Latest travel news
UK welcomes Netanyahu’s decision to pause judicial overhaul
Monday 27 March 2023 18:57 , Martha Mchardy
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly welcomed Israel’s decision to pause legislation to reform its judiciary, as he emphasised the importance of “a robust system of checks and balances.”
“The UK welcomes the decision today by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to pause legislation to reform Israel’s judiciary,” Cleverly said in a statement after Netanyahu delayed the decision until next month amid widespread protests.
“It is vital that the shared democratic values that underpin that (UK-Israel) relationship are upheld, and a robust system of checks and balances are preserved.”
Israeli labour union calls off nationwide strike after judicial overhaul delayed
Monday 27 March 2023 18:44 , Martha Mchardy
Israel’s main labour union called off a nationwide strike after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would delay his judicial overhaul plan to the next parliamentary session.
“The strike that I announced this morning will end,” said Arnon Bar-David, chairman of the Histadrut labour federation, on Monday, praising Netanyahu for the move and offering help in forming a reform with mutual agreement.
Benjamin Netanyahu decries ‘extremist minority ready to divide our nation’
Monday 27 March 2023 18:42 , Martha Mchardy
Israeli PM Netanyahu decried what he called an “extremist minority ready to divide our nation,” in an address to the nation today.
Mr Netanyahu said he is “not ready to divide the nation in pieces” amid mass protests over a planned judicial overhaul.
Israeli PM Netanyahu says delaying judicial overhaul to reach broad consensus
Monday 27 March 2023 18:33 , Martha Mchardy
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday he would delay his flagship judicial reform to the next parliamentary session.
“From a will to prevent the rift in the nation, I have decided to delay the second and third reading in order to reach a broad consensus,” he said in a prime time televised address delivered after some of the biggest street protests in the country’s history.
Israeli PM Netanyahu: ‘I will turn over every stone to find a solution’
Monday 27 March 2023 18:24 , Martha Mchardy
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said he will “turn over every stone to find a solution” to the protests over a planned judicial overhaul, in an address to the nation.
Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.
Israeli PM Netanyahu: ‘We are at a dangerous cross roads’
Monday 27 March 2023 18:22 , Martha Mchardy
The country is at a “dangerous cross roads”, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in an address to the nation.
Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.
Government will delay the second and third readings of justice bill
Monday 27 March 2023 18:20 , Martha Mchardy
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says his government will delay the second and third readings of the justice bill following a parliamentary session.
He adds that the delay comes from a will to reach a broad consensus.
Israeli PM Netanyahu: ‘I’m not ready to divide the nation in pieces’
Monday 27 March 2023 18:18 , Martha Mchardy
“I’m not ready to divide the nation in pieces,” Israeli Benjamin PM Netanyahu said in an address to the nation.
Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.
Benjamin Netanyahu addresses nation
Monday 27 March 2023 18:14 , Martha McHardy
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has started speaking.
Mr Netanyahu is addressing the nation after a day of protests.
White House sees Netanyahu likely abandoning judicial overhaul to pursue compromise
Story by Peter Nicholas and Carol E. Lee • Yesterday 7:37 PM
Netanyahu announced Monday that he was postponing a vote on the proposal, which critics warn would weaken the judiciary and remove a vital check on executive power.
Fearing the plan would push the country toward autocracy, Israelis flooded the streets in protest and took part in a general strike. With Netanyahu’s retreat, the strike ended, but the protests continue. The White House seemed relieved by an outcome that gives Netanyahu time to devise a more tenable substitute that might defuse escalating tensions in Israel.
The Biden administration had used a mix of careful public statements and intensive behind-the-scenes discussions to prod Netanyahu to come up with a compromise. Inside the White House, aides expressed some sympathy for Netanyahu’s position, given that he presides over a right-wing coalition that doesn’t want him to bend.
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President Joe Biden spoke to Netanyahu at length on March 19, a phone conversation that at times grew contentious, a person familiar with the call said. Netanyahu’s posture was that Biden and the U.S. more broadly shouldn’t lecture him on how to lead his country, the person said, requesting anonymity to talk more freely.
David Friedman, who was U.S. ambassador to Israel during the Trump administration, said it was his sense that Netanyahu “doesn’t like to get lectured, period. Let’s concede he is a subject matter expert on Israel and Israeli politics.”
“Bibi has been around forever; the presidents come and go,” Friedman added, referring to Netanyahu by his nickname.
Netanyahu’s original proposal, if enacted, would have been difficult for the Biden administration to defend. One of the provisions would have enabled a majority of the Knesset to overturn Supreme Court rulings, effectively neutering the judicial branch.
At a moment when democracies and autocracies are battling for primacy, Biden can ill afford to see a staunch U.S. ally cast aside the checks and balances that underpin democratic government.
Biden’s message to Netanyahu was that he needed to “design a way forward that was based on compromise and that could result in that sort of consensus support,” John Kirby, a White House National Security Council spokesman, told reporters Monday. “But he was very clear, and it really does come from a position of respect and friendship for Israel and everything that Israel stands for.”
Having known one another for decades, Biden and Netanyahu are comfortable conversing with a level of frankness unusual in high-level diplomacy. Dennis Ross, a former diplomat who served in the Obama administration, said: “I saw the way he dealt with Bibi. Biden used to say, ‘Listen, pal. We have a problem here. How are we going to deal with it?’ The subtext was: Help me to help you.”
Vice President Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010. (Gerald Herbert / AP file)© Gerald Herbert
Still some officials inside both the Israeli and U.S. governments believe Biden’s public comments were too cautious and that he should have issued a more full-throated condemnation of the judiciary overhaul from the beginning.
In a statement to the New York Times in February, Biden said: “The genius of American democracy and Israeli democracy is that they are both built on strong institutions, on checks and balances, on an independent judiciary. Building consensus for fundamental changes is really important to ensure that the people buy into them so they can be sustained.”
The White House considered calling on Netanyahu not to speak at virtual summit meeting of the world’s democracies this week, a person familiar with the matter said, but never went so far as to take that step.
Asked if it was appropriate for Netanyahu to speak at the summit, Kirby would say only that Israel was one of 121 nations invited to attend.
Rosamond Press 