Tensions Ease In Israel As PM Netanyahu Pauses Judicial Reform

Tension in Israel eased on Tuesday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paused a controversial judicial overhaul plan.

Three months of protests against the overhaul plan intensified this week.

This is as Israel's main trade union declared a general strike, leading to chaos that shut down much of the country and threatened to paralyze the economy.

Netanyahu in a speech on Monday night had announced a pause to the reform. Many praised the move, with the American envoy to Israel, Tom Nides, saying that Netanyahu would be invited to visit President Joe Biden in Washington soon.

Netanyahu said he wanted to avoid civil war and would seek a compromise with political opponents. 

His announcement appeared to calm some of the tensions after tens of thousands of people protested outside the parliament building in Jerusalem.

The country's president, Isaac Herzog, said pausing the legislative reform was the right thing and offered to oversee the negotiating teams.

"This is the time for frank, serious and responsible discussion that will lead urgently to calming spirits and lowering the flames," Herzog said.