Judicial reform negotiations continue at president's residence

The judicial reform negotiation teams held another meeting at President Isaac Herzog's residence on Monday, according to a joint statement by Yesh Atid and National Unity Party.

"In the meeting, the teams coordinated the adherence to the principles of democracy and the safeguarding of its independence while striving to bring legislation that will strengthen and fortify it," the statement said.

The parties added that the meeting was held in a "good and positive atmosphere" and with "good will" as both sides strived to reach long-term agreements and not just a temporary solution.

The participants in Monday's negotiation meetings were only experts, and no politicians were in attendance.

A statement from the president's office said: 

"The discussions lasted several hours and were conducted in a matter-of-face, in-depth and serious manner with a positive atmosphere. The discussion dealt with building the framework for the continuation of the negotiations after Passover, when the parties will meet to discuss the essential issues...with the aim of trying to reach agreements."

Why did negotiations start?

Last week, teams from both coalition and opposition parties held meetings at Herzog's residence. The meetings were held between Herzog and individual party representatives as well as between multiple teams.

Organized negotiations began after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he was pausing legislation of the judicial reform ahead of the Passover break that marks the end of the winter season at the Knesset. The announcement came as protests against the reform reached a crescendo shortly before Passover.