President Isaac Herzog offers a far-ranging “People’s Directive” for a compromise to the judicial overhaul controversy

President Isaac Herzog offers a far-ranging “People’s Directive” for a compromise to the judicial overhaul controversy

President Herzog offers a compromise to the coalition’s proposed judicial overhaul in the forms of enacting a new Basic Law, and writing amendments to existing Basic Laws. Its detail suggests considerable behind the scenes discussion, and if only portions are enacted upon, this document could be seen in the future as a benchmark in Israel’s “constitutional” history.

Documents and Sources|March 15, 2023
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s Speech on Pausing Judicial Overhaul, March 2023

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s Speech on Pausing Judicial Overhaul, March 2023

Citing deep disaffection among elements of Israeli military reserve units, and expressing those concerns to Prime Minister Netanyahu privately, Gallant makes his opinion public, causing Netanyahu to fire him, resulting in hundreds of thousand of Israelis in the streets. Two days after Gallant’s speech, Netanyahu called for a pause in pushing forward the judicial overhaul legislation.

Documents and Sources|March 25, 2023
President Isaac Herzog’s Speech to Congress, 2023

President Isaac Herzog’s Speech to Congress, 2023

In just under an hour, Herzog emphasized the special US-Israeli relationship, citing common values between the two democracies, noting, “when the US is strong, Israel is stronger. And when Israel is strong, the US is more secure.” He cited Israel’s domestic and foreign policy challenges in its 75th year.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the nation on the passing of the ‘reasonableness standard.’ 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the nation on the passing of the ‘reasonableness standard.’ 

The Prime Minister presented the view that his coalition carried out a necessary step to ‘restore a measure of balance’ between governmental institutions. He indicated that discussions about the other elements of the proposed judicial overhaul would take place between now and November. Specifically he asked members of the Israel Defense Forces to remain outside of the current political controversies.

Documents and Sources|July 26, 2023
Netanyahu’s Address to the U.N. General Assembly, 2023

Netanyahu’s Address to the U.N. General Assembly, 2023

Addressing Israel’s fear of Iran’s access to nuclear weapons, the same point made by his predecessor Yair Lapid stressed in 2022 at the UN, Netanyahu like Lapid praised the Abraham Accords, noting in a quite unrestrained fashion that Israel was on the ‘cusp of a historic peace with Saudi Arabia.” The Prime Minister did mention support for a two-state solution with the Palestinians as Lapid had done previously.

Documents and Sources|September 22, 2023
Prime Minister Netanyahu Addresses Congress on Hamas War, 2024

Prime Minister Netanyahu Addresses Congress on Hamas War, 2024

In a 52 minute speech, Netanyahu explained Israel’s absolute need for total victory in the Gaza war because Hamas and Iran were both enemies of the United States and Israel. With bi-partisan emphasis, he thanked Presidents Biden and Trump for their unwavering current and past support. Dozens of congressional members did not attend his speech, noting disagreements with the Prime Minister’s policies.

Documents and Sources|July 24, 2024
“Remember October 7th,” Rubio and Netanyahu Emphasize, September 2025

“Remember October 7th,” Rubio and Netanyahu Emphasize, September 2025

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Israel was primarily prompted by American criticism of Israel’s airstrike on September 9, targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, the Qatari capital. Rubio arrived in Doha at the end of an emergency Arab-Islamic leaders summit that roundly condemned Israel’s attack. In Doha, he affirmed US interests in Qatar, with particular knowledge that it hosts America’s largest air base in the Middle East and the forward headquarters for the US Central Command. The US was seeking to balance its relationship with Israel and Qatar.

Documents and Sources|September 15, 2025
French President Macron’s U.N. Address on a Two-State Solution, September 2025

French President Macron’s U.N. Address on a Two-State Solution, September 2025

President Macron’s speech links the end of Hamas-Israeli conflict to the evolution of a of two-state solution. He acknowledges that Israel has the power to end the war and evolve a Palestinian state, asserting that if Israel does neither to the satisfaction of France and her European partners, Israel could pay an undisclosed price. He offers no such penalties to be placed on the PA for its failure to meet its commitments. Once again the Palestinian Arab national movement uses the international community to pressure Israel into concessions. On the same day, Israeli
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphatically rejects the establishment of a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River. The Israeli
parliament in June 2004 rejected any unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state by a 68-9 vote.

Documents and Sources|September 22, 2025