Despite protests
Regardless of the mass protests in recent weeks, Israel’s right-wing religious government has pressed ahead with its plans for reconstruction. Fundamental points of the controversial reform were adopted shortly after midnight on Tuesday in a first reading in the Knesset, the parliament. Thousands gathered again in Jerusalem for a rally.
The decision, with 63 votes in favor and 47 against, was preceded by a turbulent eight-hour session of the Knesset. There were tumultuous scenes. Overall, two more readings in Parliament are necessary for a change in the law.
The opposition was harshly critical. “Members of the coalition – history will judge this night. For the damage to democracy, the damage to the economy and the damage to security,” opposition leader Jair Lapid wrote on Twitter.
Judiciary Committee chairman Simcha Rothman said the law will make the processes for appointing Supreme Court posts more transparent and democratic. Parts of the controversial plans had already been approved by the Judiciary Committee in mid-February.
Parliament can revoke court decisions
The judiciary reform by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s right-wing religious coalition would, among other things, allow parliament to overturn decisions of the Supreme Court with a simple majority – and thus almost completely abolish its power to judicially review laws.
It would also give the government control over the appointment of the chief justices – a body of politicians, judges and members of the bar association is currently voting on this.
The protests of the past few weeks are directed against the judicial reform, but also against the government’s policies in general. Netanyahu regained power at the end of December thanks to a right-wing religious alliance. It is the country’s most right-wing government to date.
Because Israel does not have a written constitution and the state is instead based on a set of basic laws, the Supreme Court is of particular importance in upholding the rule of law and human rights. President Yitzchak Herzog warned of a constitutional and social collapse in Israel if the government implemented its plans uncompromisingly and against all odds.
Protests against the restructuring of the judiciary
Thousands again took to the streets in Jerusalem against the government’s restructuring of the Israeli judicial system.
Thousands at demonstration in Jerusalem
Thousands of people gathered again in Jerusalem on Monday to protest against the government’s planned restructuring of the judiciary. The demonstrators gathered around noon near the Knesset. Many carried Israeli flags and chanted “Israel is not a dictatorship” and “Democracy means dialogue”.
