Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again refused to commit to abiding by a potential future High Court decision to strike down a recently passed law that curtailed judicial oversight over the decisions of elected officials. In an interview with NBC News, Netanyahu did not directly answer when asked if he would follow such a ruling. He stated that Israeli governments abide by the decisions of the Supreme Court, but also emphasized the importance of respecting the Basic Laws, which are the closest thing Israel has to a constitution. When pressed to clarify if he would follow a potential ruling against the law, Netanyahu skirted the question and expressed his hope that the law would not be struck down.
The legislation in question, passed last week, prevents judicial oversight of government and ministerial decisions on the grounds of reasonableness. It was an amendment to Israel’s Basic Law: The Judiciary. Unlike in the United States, Israel does not have a constitution or an independent legislature, making the Supreme Court the only check on the executive branch. The recent legislation passed with 64 votes out of 120 seats in the Knesset.
Critics of the law argue that passing such a significant piece of legislation with only a bare majority and without sufficient deliberation or review could prompt the court to take action. National Unity leader Benny Gantz, President Isaac Herzog, and multiple security officials have warned that the country could descend into civil war over the legislation. A recent survey found that 56% of Israelis are concerned about the possibility of civil war.
The High Court of Justice has accepted eight petitions against the law and will convene a 15-judge panel for the hearings on September 12. Supreme Court President Esther Hayut has announced that every justice on the court will preside over the significant and potentially explosive hearing on the law.
Netanyahu’s refusal to commit to abiding by a potential court ruling against the legislation has raised concerns about the state of Israel’s democracy and the balance of power between the branches of government. The ongoing controversy surrounding the law has sparked mass protests and societal upheaval in the country. Despite this, Netanyahu maintains that the legislation is necessary to correct imbalances in Israel’s democracy and believes that Israel’s democracy will be strengthened, not weakened, as a result.
What are the potential consequences of Netanyahu’s refusal to comply with a Supreme Court ruling overturning the law, in terms of Israel’s democracy and societal unrest
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again declined to commit to following a potential future High Court decision to overturn a recently passed law that limits judicial oversight over elected officials. In a recent interview with NBC News, Netanyahu evaded the question when asked if he would comply with such a ruling. He stressed the importance of respecting Israel’s Basic Laws, which serve as the country’s closest thing to a constitution, while also acknowledging that Israeli governments generally abide by the Supreme Court’s decisions. Nonetheless, he expressed his hope that the law would not be overturned.
The law in question, which was passed last week, restricts judicial review of government and ministerial decisions on the grounds of reasonableness. It amends Israel’s Basic Law: The Judiciary. Unlike the United States, Israel lacks a constitution or an independent legislature, leaving the Supreme Court as the sole check on the executive branch. The recent legislation obtained 64 votes out of 120 seats in the Knesset.
Critics argue that passing such a significant law with a slim majority and without ample deliberation or scrutiny might prompt the court to take action. National Unity leader Benny Gantz, President Isaac Herzog, and multiple security officials have warned that the country could spiral into civil unrest due to the legislation. A recent survey revealed that 56% of Israelis are concerned about the potential for civil strife.
The High Court of Justice has accepted eight petitions challenging the law and will convene a 15-judge panel for hearings on September 12. Supreme Court President Esther Hayut has announced that all the justices will preside over the significant and potentially explosive hearing on this matter.
Netanyahu’s refusal to commit to adhering to a potential court ruling against the legislation has raised concerns about the state of Israel’s democracy and the balance of power among branches of government. The ongoing controversy surrounding the law has sparked widespread protests and societal unrest in the country. Despite this, Netanyahu maintains that the law is necessary to address imbalances in Israel’s democracy and believes that it will ultimately strengthen, rather than weaken, the country’s democratic institutions.
It is disappointing to see Prime Minister Netanyahu avoiding his responsibility to uphold the court’s ruling on the Reasonableness Law. Leaders should be setting an example by respecting the rule of law, regardless of their personal preferences.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s evasion of the court ruling on the Reasonableness Law raises concerns about his commitment to upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law. It is essential for leaders to set an example by respecting judicial decisions rather than circumventing them for political gain.