If You Will It, It Is No Dream
I am hoping.
As I mentioned in my last few posts, I am hoping. Hoping that five normal people will stand up to their parties and reject the extreme proposed overhaul of the Israeli Judiciary.
The good news is that recently, it has been quiet.
I mean relatively so. The rhetoric is slowing down.
So, I am trying to be hopeful.
There will be some changes in the judiciary, and many people on both sides of the aisle agree that some are needed. I can try to explain it but I read an interview with Micha Goodman this morning that goes through the whole issue in a way I never could ( mostly because he is smarter than me and writes much better). Here is the link https://www.timesofisrael.com/what-matters-now-to-philosopher-micah-goodman-preventing-civil-war/
Now, can the rest of the world please shut up for a while and let this play out. I mean I know this is how it works and the whole world feels that they should get in Israel’s face, in a way that is not done with any other country, every time someone sneezes over here.
Everyone has an opinion on this.
And it’s not just politicians and governments,
Major banks, newspapers, jurists, business leaders etc. from all over the world are warning of the dire consequences of the proposed changes.
On the one hand, some of us appreciate the support but I am not sure that threatening this government is the way to go. If anything, it might make some of these guys think they must be on the right track.
The whole world is predicting that everything in Israel is going to be negatively affected if the changes are made.
Especially the economy.
Tell that to the CEO of Extell, one of NYC’s largest residential developers who just plunked down almost $250 mil USD for land in Jerusalem.
Or the new owner of Elal, who want to put even more of his money into that money pit.
These guys and many others don’t seem so scared. So I think dire predictions are not working.
Then there is the CEO of an Israeli hi-tech startup, Verbit, who announced that he is leaving the country because of the proposed new legislation.
Why is that important?
Lucky for us he explained it. He has personally paid tens of millions of DOLLARS in taxes over the last few years.
It means he is very important.
Yawn
First of all some advice from someone who does not pay tens of millions in taxes ( I should only be so lucky). If you want to do something just do it. Don't spend too much time talking about it.
Secondly, I am sure that , after they stop laughing , the current government will be very happy to see you go. You see, it is not so easy to stop paying taxes to Israel as they have an exit tax. Leave and I am sure you will find out all about it.
Fortunately, our Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, IS taking this threat very seriously. He posted on Twitter to the CEO of Verbit, “ We are all brothers, I hope you come back”
Very Impressive. You got the actual Minister of Finance to care about your threat. He is listening and will now try to throw out the entire proposed legislation.
Are You nuts?
I got to say, I did not know Smotrich had such a good sense of humor.
Smotrich didn’t even try to get him to stay. He just said he hopes you come back, which is like saying, see ya.
It is true that some big investment companies are moving money (cash) out of Israel but I think they are just trying to make a point.
Point received.
I think both sides were testing the waters, I think they both got some results.
Now we can only dream that the few normal people left in our government will help the rest reach a solution that will maintain Israel’s democratic checks and balances.
Just this week the Attorney General said that Bibi should not be involved in the Judicial Override Law as he is under indictment ( thanks for reminding us)
Fat chance that will happen.
It is a good suggestion but perhaps reminding Bibi why he hates you guys now is not the right move.
Just a thought
On the other hand, Bibi and Co want to pass a law that will make sure the court can not overturn ministerial appointments. This way they can put as many convicted felons as they want into positions of power.
If that works, I am sure they will try to pass a law allowing a prime minister under indictment to pick the judges who will oversee his case.
Oh, I forgot.
That’s how this whole thing started in the first place.
Shabbat Shlaom