Israel Prepares for Landmark Judicial Overhaul Vote with Netanyahu’s Return to Knesset
The Israeli far-right government is moving forward with judicial reform legislation in parliament, despite widespread protests in the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has returned after pacemaker surgery, and authorities outside the Knesset used water cannons against protestors.
President Isaac Herzog warned of a “national emergency” as he tried to mediate a compromise for weeks of mass protests. Critics argue that the proposed judicial overhaul will erode the country’s liberal democracy by removing checks and balances on the executive, while the government claims it’s necessary to curb judicial overreach.
The final vote on a bill that would limit judges’ ability to strike down government decisions they deem unreasonable took place with Netanyahu’s coalition government, which includes ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties, supporting the reforms.
Washington, Israel’s traditional ally, expressed concern about the political turmoil, with President Biden urging Israeli leaders to postpone the vote and seek consensus.
President Herzog attempted to reach a compromise, warning that gaps still need to be addressed. Netanyahu and the government continue their efforts to pass the legislation in agreement with the opposition.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the driving force behind the reforms, stated that the bill had already undergone changes to accommodate critics, but the ruling coalition was open to “understandings” with the opposition.
The proposed “reasonableness” clause, if approved, would be the first major component of the reform package to become law. Other proposed changes include giving the government a greater say in the appointment of judges.
Protests against the judicial package have drawn support from various groups across the political spectrum, expressing concern over its potential impact on Israel’s democracy.
The political battle over the judicial overhaul occurs amid rising Palestinian-Israeli violence. The protestors are determined to defend democracy and call for intervention to stop the proposed changes.
