The Knesset plenum is expected to convene on Monday for a dramatic vote on the first part of the government's judicial reform, the Reasonableness Standard Bill, which would limit the use of the judicial doctrine of reasonableness, in its second and third readings.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to speak with IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi today after the meeting between the two was postponed. Yesterday the Chief of Staff met with National Unity chairman Benny Gantz who stated following the discussion that the security situation was concerning.
In an attempt to reach an agreement, the coalition is prepared to pass the bill if there will be a legislation freeze for the next six months to attempt to reach a consensus. This comes with the understanding that there will be a summer recess, and during the winter session, they will begin to advance the enlistment bill. On the other hand, the opposition is demanding a longer legislation freeze. The coalition is not willing to postpone the end of the summer session and insists on passing the Reasonableness Standard Bill during the current session.
"The Business Forum," which is made up of executives of about 150 of the largest companies, including banks, decided to cease their companies' operations today. Among the companies that announced that they would not operate: BIG shopping centers, Azrieli Group shopping centers and offices, Amot Investment Ltd. shopping centers and worksites, and Ofer malls.
Despite this, food and convenience stores at the shopping centers will remain open, as well as banks, since they are considered essential businesses. Shufer Sol supermarkets, whose CEO is a member of the forum, will also remain open.
The High-Tech protest stated: "We join our friends from the Business Forum who announced the justified halt of operations, we will stand with them shoulder to shoulder tomorrow in the war for Israel's appearance. We will not allow the state of Israel to lead the collapse of the economy and the destruction of high-tech. We have no other land."