Netanyahu delays judicial reforms, strike called off

By Nathan Morley

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed a controversial judicial reform bill that has provoked months of protests and a general strike.

In a speech carried on national television, Mr. Netanyahu warned that an extremist minority was tearing Israel apart.

Soon after, Israel’s trade unions called off a one-day general strike – but protestors said they would continue to demonstrate until the plans were scrapped entirely.

Mr. Netanyahu said the delay, until the next parliament session, would enable dialogue and prevent a civil war.

For the last 12 weeks, tens of thousands of citizens have repeatedly taken to the streets to protest the government's plan to cull Supreme Court powers.

Until last night, Netanyahu - who is facing corruption charges - said the overhaul was needed to curb what he described as an ‘overly activist’ Supreme Court.