ISRAEL: On Tuesday, Israeli demonstrators took to the streets to express their opposition after a bill that would limit some of the authority of the Supreme Court won initial approval by parliament with the complete backing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing ruling coalition.
Videos captured scenes of large groups of flag-waving Israelis obstructing traffic during the morning hours at significant intersections and on major highways in central Israel, the bustling business centre of Tel Aviv, and close to the entrance of Jerusalem. Certain individuals lay down on the roads, while others threw flares.
Police, who stated 24 people had been detained, used a water cannon to scatter some demonstrators and physically haul others away. On Tuesday, further demonstrations across the country were anticipated, including at Ben Gurion International Airport.
The effort by Netanyahu’s nationalist-religious alliance to alter the legal system has provoked unheard-of demonstrations, raised doubts about the health of Israel’s democracy among Western partners, and hurt the country’s economy.
Late on Monday, the new bill successfully received the first of the three votes necessary to become law, despite opposition lawmakers expressing their disapproval with cries of ‘for shame’.
If approved in its current form, the bill would limit the Supreme Court’s authority to overturn judgements made by the government, ministers, and elected officials by deeming them unreasonable.
Opponents contend that this judicial review plays a vital role in preventing corruption and instances of power abuse. Supporters, however, maintain that this alteration will enhance efficient governance by reducing court intervention, asserting that judges possess alternative legal avenues to ensure oversight.
Deep divisions have emerged within Israeli society regarding the government’s judicial campaign.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is currently facing graft charges that he denies, temporarily halted the campaign to engage in compromise discussions with the opposition. Unfortunately, these negotiations broke down in June.
The United States has called on Netanyahu to reach comprehensive agreements on any justice reforms to ensure the independence of Israel’s courts.
Netanyahu has not yet shown any intention to pause the legislation again and has downplayed the economic consequences of the campaign. This has caused concern among investors and has resulted in an almost 8% depreciation of the shekel since January.
Also Read: Macron Suggests France Might Restrict Social Media During Unrest
