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Israel’s parliament adopted in a first reading a controversial bill that would limit court powers, in a new offensive to push ahead with a judicial overhaul that has split the nation.
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The changes, proposed by the hard-right government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have sparked one of the country’s biggest ever protest movements since their announcement in January.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in weekly rallies, demanding a halt to the planned overhaul of Israel’s justice system.
Following stiff opposition and growing international criticism — including from US President Joe Biden — Netanyahu ordered a “pause” in March to allow for talks on the proposals.
But with Israel’s two main opposition leaders, Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, pulling out of negotiations, Netanyahu has now made a new attempt to pass the legislation in parliament.
After a stormy parliament session, the bill was adopted in its first reading by 64 votes to 56.
Ahead of the debate, some protesters entered the Knesset building and had to be dragged out, and hundreds more demonstrated outside.
The vote was the first reading of a bill aimed at excluding the judiciary’s right to rule on the “reasonableness” of government decisions.
One of its potential effects would be on the appointment of ministers.
Protests
Netanyahu in January was forced to dismiss cabinet member Aryeh Deri, of the ultra-Orthodox Jewish party Shas, after intervention by the Supreme Court, including on the ground of “reasonableness”, over a previous tax evasion conviction.
Other reform proposals would also give the government a greater say in the appointment of judges.
The administration of Netanyahu, who returned to power in December at the head of a coalition with ultra-Orthodox and extreme-right allies, argues that the revamp is necessary to ensure a better balance of…
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Source : france24
