Responding to petition calling for him to be held in contempt of court, PM denies any conflict of interest arising from his ongoing corruption trial

Biden administration reiterates call for parties to strike compromise, as PM slated to address State Department confab on democracy to which Hungary and Turkey didn't get an invite

President urges party leaders to establish negotiation teams for sessions at his residence; Gantz quickly answers call, reaches out to Netanyahu to thank him for halting overhaul

PM says he's pausing judicial revamp to avoid 'civil war,' asserts 'extreme minority tearing Israel to shreds'; opposition heads offer wary approval for talks, warn against bluff

At IDI conference, experts describe how 'constitutional capture' began with 'dismantlement of judicial independence'; ex-Irish justice minister urges halt to 'regressive' push

Opponents of the legislation argue it violates key principles underpinning Israel's democratic character, opening the window for the High Court to invalidate the law

In Knesset speech, finance minister says government seeking dialogue on contentious plan, but has a mandate to carry out comprehensive reform

A new draft for the overhaul of the judicial appointments process leaves the Knesset with less than two weeks to re-draw a critical pillar of Israel's constitution arrangements

According to tweaked draft, coalition would choose the justices to fill the first two Supreme Court openings in each Knesset term, gain full authority over lower court appointments

Constitution committee will hold back-to-back hearings ahead of likely final votes next week, while bills to help PM and Shas chief with legal problems will also be advanced