Protests erupted both inside and outside the Knesset on Tuesday as lawmakers passed the first reading of a controversial bill aimed at blocking judicial review over the “reasonableness” of politicians’ decisions. The bill, which marks the first approval of a judicial overhaul bill since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended the legislative package in March, passed by a vote of 64 to 56 after a stormy session that lasted into the early hours of the morning.
Opposition lawmakers chanted “shame” as coalition members celebrated the victory. The legislation still needs to pass two more readings before becoming law, and the coalition aims to complete the process before the Knesset breaks for the summer at the end of the month.
The bill completely outlaws courts from using the judicial test to invalidate or discuss decisions made by the cabinet, ministers, and other elected officials. Supporters argue that it allows elected representatives to have the final say on policy and appointments, while critics argue that it removes an important check on arbitrary decision-making.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the coalition of pushing the bill to pursue corrupt and self-serving aims. He claimed that the bill would allow convicted criminals to be appointed as ministers, enable the firing of the attorney general, and arrange a plea deal for Netanyahu in his criminal cases.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a video message before the vote, promised that the rights of the courts and Israeli citizens would not be harmed in any way. He stated that the court would continue to inspect the legality of government decisions and appointments.
Protests against the judicial overhaul bill took place both inside and outside the Knesset. Some protesters gained access to the Knesset and tried to block lawmaker access into the plenum, resulting in physical altercations with the Knesset Guard. Outside the parliamentary complex, more demonstrators gathered at the Knesset gates.
The coalition is currently facing pressure to soften the bill’s language and is considering possibilities to do so. Concerns include losing oversight over administrative decisions taken by caretaker governments ahead of national elections and making municipalities immune from legal petitions.
Opposition party leader Benny Gantz warned that the bill is the beginning of a dangerous process of removing restrictions from the government and erasing judicial review. He called on Netanyahu to halt the legislation and return to judicial compromise negotiations.
The coalition has been focusing its legislative efforts on passing the reasonableness curtailment bill after compromise talks collapsed in June. However, critics argue that the coalition should be focusing on addressing voters’ top-of-mind issues, such as the cost of living and security.Protests erupted both inside and outside the Knesset on Tuesday as lawmakers passed the first reading of a controversial bill aimed at blocking judicial review over the “reasonableness” of politicians’ decisions. The bill, which marks the first approval of a judicial overhaul bill since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended the legislative package in March, passed by a vote of 64 to 56 after a stormy session that lasted into the early hours of the morning.
Opposition lawmakers chanted “shame” as coalition members celebrated the victory. The legislation still needs to pass two more readings before becoming law, and the coalition aims to complete the process before the Knesset breaks for the summer at the end of the month.
The bill completely outlaws courts from using the judicial test to invalidate or discuss decisions made by the cabinet, ministers, and other elected officials. Supporters argue that it allows elected representatives to have the final say on policy and appointments, while critics argue that it removes an important check on arbitrary decision-making.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the coalition of pushing the bill to pursue corrupt and self-serving aims. He claimed that the bill would allow convicted criminals to be appointed as ministers, enable the firing of the attorney general, and arrange a plea deal for Netanyahu in his criminal cases.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, in a video message before the vote, promised that the rights of the courts and Israeli citizens would not be harmed in any way. He stated that the court would continue to inspect the legality of government decisions and appointments.
Protests against the judicial overhaul bill took place both inside and outside the Knesset. Some protesters gained access to the Knesset and tried to block lawmaker access into the plenum, resulting in physical altercations with the Knesset Guard. Outside the parliamentary complex, more demonstrators gathered at the Knesset gates.
The coalition is currently facing pressure to soften the bill’s language and is considering possibilities to do so. Concerns include losing oversight over administrative decisions taken by caretaker governments ahead of national elections and making municipalities immune from legal petitions.
The reasonableness curtailment bill is a precursor to deeper judicial changes planned by the coalition, including a bill to transfer judicial appointments into political control. Netanyahu has said he plans to advance the judicial selection legislation in the Knesset’s winter session, which opens in October.
Why are opposition lawmakers and demonstrators protesting the bill, and what are their concerns regarding the potential consequences
Protests erupted inside and outside the Knesset on Tuesday when lawmakers approved the first reading of a controversial bill that seeks to curtail judicial review of politicians’ decisions. The bill, which is the first approval of a judicial overhaul bill since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended it in March, was passed with a vote of 64 to 56 after a stormy session that lasted until the early hours of the morning.
Opposition lawmakers expressed their disapproval by chanting “shame” while coalition members celebrated the victory. The bill still needs to pass two more readings before it becomes law, and the coalition aims to complete the process before the Knesset recesses for the summer at the end of the month.
The bill prohibits courts from using the judicial test to invalidate or discuss decisions made by the cabinet, ministers, and other elected officials. Supporters argue that it allows elected representatives to have the final say on policy and appointments, while critics argue that it removes an important check on arbitrary decision-making.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the coalition of advancing the bill for corrupt and self-serving purposes. He claimed that it would enable convicted criminals to be appointed as ministers, allow the firing of the attorney general, and facilitate a plea deal for Netanyahu in his criminal cases.
In a video message before the vote, Prime Minister Netanyahu promised that the rights of the courts and Israeli citizens would not be harmed. He stated that the court would continue to inspect the legality of government decisions and appointments.
Protests against the bill took place both inside and outside the Knesset, with some demonstrators gaining access to the building and attempting to block lawmaker access to the plenum, resulting in physical altercations with the Knesset Guard. Outside the parliamentary complex, more demonstrators gathered at the Knesset gates.
The coalition is currently under pressure to soften the bill’s language and is considering various options. Concerns include the loss of oversight over administrative decisions made by caretaker governments before national elections and making municipalities immune from legal petitions.
Opposition party leader Benny Gantz warned that the bill is the start of a dangerous process that removes restrictions from the government and erodes judicial review. He called on Netanyahu to halt the legislation and return to negotiations for a compromise.
The coalition has been primarily focused on passing the reasonableness curtailment bill after compromise talks collapsed in June. However, critics argue that the coalition should prioritize addressing pressing issues such as the cost of living and security, which are at the forefront of voters’ minds.
This bill’s first reading in Israel’s Knesset is concerning as it may limit judicial review, a crucial aspect of the democratic system. The implications of such a move should be thoroughly studied and debated to ensure a fair and balanced legal framework for the country.
This bill’s first reading raises concerns about the potential curtailment of judicial review powers in Israel’s Knesset. Striking a balance between safeguarding democracy and ensuring accountability should be the priority, warranting a thorough examination of this controversial legislation.