Israel’s Netanyahu doubles down on judicial plan, rejects criticism and moves ahead toward key vote

By JOSEF FEDERMAN and JULIA FRANKEL
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead with his contentious judicial overhaul, despite unprecedented mass protests at home, growing defections by military reservists and appeals from the U.S. president to put the plan on hold. Netanyahu’s message, delivered Thursday in a prime time address, set the stage for stepped-up street protests ahead of fateful vote on Monday. Netanyahu was at times conciliatory, saying he understands the differences of opinion and offering to seek a compromise with his political opponents. But he was also defiant, saying his opponents were bent on toppling him and lashing out at the scores of military reservists who say they will stop reporting for duty if the plan is passed.