President Isaac Herzog on Sunday spoke at a state ceremony and implored the coalition and opposition to resume the dialogue on the judicial reform.
Herzog warned that failing to do so would result in "a failure of historic proportions", and irreversible rifts within Israeli society.
"I tell you - so many people are turning to me, not only from the general public - also from the political field - from all sides and say the same words: What a mistake. What a tragedy. And it's true! I tell you - agreements are possible; certainly on the specific issue of reasonableness," said the President.
"An agreement is achievable and yet, no one is willing to sit down and talk - now, without conditions. This is a miss of historic proportions. I ask our representatives in the government and the Knesset: Is it worth it? Is it really worth it? The numbers, the data, the polls and discussions reflect a real and great public need for dialogue and agreement. This is clear as day," continued Herzog.
"This is the moment to make an effort - together. Now is the time to think about the consequences. Put the ego aside! We need to keep talking! Stop the terrible rift! The people expect you to come to your senses, and quickly," he stated.
Herzog’s comments come as the government is moving forward with plans to abolish the reasonableness standard, one of the components of the judicial reform.
Last week, National Unity chairman Benny Gantz called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to return to the negotiations.
Yisrael Beytenu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman expressed opposition to the resumption of talks, saying of Gantz and Yair Lapid, "This is simply a national irresponsibility, the crossing of a red line they themselves set."
"After the vote on the Judicial Selection Committee and the ensuing chaos, both of them stated that as long as the Judicial Selection Committee does not convene - there is nothing to talk about regarding a return to the negotiations," Liberman told Channel 12 News on Friday, accusing Gantz and Lapid of "trying to please public opinion instead of leading it."
Meanwhile, the organizers of the protests against the reform have threatened to intensify their measures even further this coming week and have made it clear that if the legislation to repeal the reasonableness cause is approved on Monday, a "day of resistance" will be held on Tuesday.
The day will include a huge demonstration in the Ben Gurion Airport in the afternoon. In the evening, there will continuous demonstrations and marches throughout the country.