Israel’s fired defense chief still at work as talks begin

Israel’s fired defense minister was still at his post Tuesday — as talks started over a possible compromise to the country’s controversial judicial overhaul plan.

Tensions in the country over the controversial plan hit a high point Sunday when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu axed defense chief Yoav Gallant for criticizing his proposal.

Gallant’s dismissal caused Israel’s ongoing months-long protests over the plan to reach a boiling point, prompting Netanyahu on Monday to pause a vote on his coalition’s contentious judicial overhaul legislation at least until next month, saying he was making the move to “avoid a civil war.”

Gallant’s termination would have gone into effect Tuesday, but aides for the defense minister said they never received a letter formally required for his removal from office.

Gallant even attended a security-related meeting at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem on Tuesday afternoon, The Times of Israel reported.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he would host the coalition and opposition party leaders for negotiations Tuesday evening.

During an event at Yad Vashem, the Israeli Holocaust memorial, Herzog said he hoped the two sides will “calm the spirits, lower the flames and lead to positive results with a broad agreement,” The Jerusalem Post reported.

Benny Gantz, leader of the opposing National Unity party, spoke with Netanyahu and welcomed the halting of the proposed legislation.

Meanwhile, opposition leader and Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid declined to speak with Netanyahu directly, telling Ynet News on Tuesday he “didn’t feel like it.”

On Monday, he said that once the legislation came to a “real and complete” stop, he would join the dialogue.

Still, Lapid said he and Gantz spoke “all day” Monday and were coordinated.

“There are differences and shades, and each party has its line, and that is perfectly fine. But about what is important, we are coordinated, and we will also work together with the president,” he said.

During a nationally televised address Monday evening, Netanyahu said the legislation would be delayed a month to “avoid a civil war.

“When there’s an opportunity to avoid civil war through dialogue, I, as prime minister, am taking a timeout for dialogue,” he said.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Netanyahu agreed to a delay in the contentious piece of legislation until parliament reconvenes for its summer session April 30. Israel’s parliament will go on recess for Passover next week.

While the extension allows for a compromise to be made with opposition groups, Ben-Gvir noted that if a deal isn’t reached, the plan would still move forward during the summer session.