Benjamin Netanyahu
“The U.S. can’t have it both ways with Smotrich,” according to a government source.
The investigators were reportedly employed by opponents of the government’s judicial reform initiative.
The Ombudsman’s Office found the judges acted properly in warning prosecutors.
In an interview, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that his government intends to shelve large parts of its judicial reform plans.
A hearing has been scheduled for Sept. 28 with an expanded panel of 11 judges.
The Security Cabinet was set to discuss measures to boost the Palestinian Authority.
“Israeli democracy is now facing real danger that threatens the country’s very existence,” one commentator wrote, adding that Israel’s image as the region’s only democracy is at stake.
The justices did not indicate when they would rule on the petitions.
The letter was organized by Americans for Peace Now.
The meeting focused on strengthening economic and diplomatic ties, cooperation in agriculture and food security.
The prime minister told NBC News that “when the dust settles people will see that Israel’s democracy has been strengthened, not weakened.”
The hearing is set for 10 a.m. on Sept. 12, Supreme Court President Esther Hayut announced.
