Despite continued protests and attempts at mediation, Israel’s parliament has moved forward with the government’s controversial judicial reform plans by adopting a “canceling clause”. MEPs approved the text of the law on Monday at around 3 am (local time, 2 am CET) in the first reading with 61 votes; 52 deputies voted against. The law only comes into force after the second and third readings.
The law, described as a “canceling clause”, is at the heart of judicial reform planned by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing religious cabinet. This would allow Parliament, with a simple majority, to pass laws even if they are inconsistent with basic constitutional laws. In its current form, the bill precludes statutory review by the Supreme Court.
Parliament had already approved another bill at first reading. Consequently, the possibilities are limited to declare an incumbent prime minister incompetent. The law aims to protect Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption.
People in Israel have been protesting the government’s plans for about ten weeks. Critics fear that the separation of powers will be abolished and that democracy will be undermined. On Monday, a panel of three experts submitted a compromise proposal to Parliament’s Judiciary Committee. Israeli President Isaac Herzog had already asked the government to stop the project. (apa, afp)