The government of Israel continues to reform the judiciary despite protests

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Three more readings are needed in Parliament before it comes into force. According to media reports, Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing religious government plans to push through the core elements of the controversial reform in fast-track procedures before the end of this month.

The draft, which was approved by the committee after heated debate, stipulates that a three-quarters majority in parliament would be needed to remove a prime minister from office. This dismissal would also only be possible for psychological or other health reasons. The move is designed to prevent the Supreme Court or the Attorney General’s Office from influencing an impeachment.

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had warned that this change could lead to “absurd situations”. It creates a “black hole” because it prevents any legal oversight.

A debate and vote on other aspects of the judicial reform were also scheduled for Tuesday night in parliament. The amendments are designed to allow Parliament to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority. In addition, the Supreme Court’s ability to override ordinary laws should be limited.

There have been massive protests against the judicial reform for ten weeks, but attempts to reach a compromise have so far failed.

President Izchak Herzog spoke out publicly against the plans for the first time on Thursday. He met Sunday evening with Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionist Party, which is the driving force behind the reform. Meeting with the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in parliament, Herzog, according to his spokesperson, “reiterated the need to reach agreements as broad as possible in the interest of the State of Israel and its citizens.” There are growing warnings that Israel is heading for a dangerous state crisis.

(SDA)

Source: Blick