![]() ![]() ![]() The grassroots protest movement, which has regularly drawn tens of thousands of people into the streets for the past seven months, condemned Monday’s vote by Netanyahu’s “government of extremists” and vowed to press ahead. According to Jewish tradition, the Roman Empire succeeded in destroying the Second Temple because of Jewish infighting. The chant was a reference to the upcoming Jewish day of mourning, the Ninth of Av, which marks the destruction of two ancient Temples in Jerusalem. Opposition lawmakers chanted “shame” and “government of destruction” before leaving the chamber. “This is just the beginning,” added National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the architect of the plan, said parliament had taken the “first step in an important historic process.” With the opposition out of the hall, the measure passed by a 64-0 margin. The Supreme Court, for instance, this year struck down Netanyahu’s appointment of a key ally for interior and finance minister as unreasonable because of past convictions for bribery and tax cheating. The government’s critics say removing the standard of reasonability opens the door to corruption and improper appointments of unqualified cronies to important positions. In Monday’s vote, lawmakers approved a measure that prevents judges from striking down government decisions on the basis they are “unreasonable.” “I extend my hand in a call for peace and mutual respect between us.”Īs he spoke, Israel’s Channel 13 TV showed a split screen with a police water cannon spraying crowds of protesters. He vowed to seek renewed dialogue with the political opposition and called for national unity. ![]() “Today we did a necessary democratic act, an act that is intended to return a measure of balance between the branches of government,” he said. In a televised address Monday night, Netanyahu rejected such criticism. Critics say that by seeking to weaken the judiciary, Netanyahu and his allies are trying to erode the country’s checks and balances and consolidate power over the third, independent branch of government. Under the Israeli system, the prime minister governs through a majority coalition in parliament - in effect giving him control over the executive and legislative branches of government.Īs a result, the Supreme Court plays a critical oversight role. “It is unfortunate that the vote today took place with the slimmest possible majority,” it said. The White House, which has repeatedly urged Netanyahu to pause his overhaul plan until he has a broad consensus, expressed regret. His allies, who include ultra-nationalist and ultra-religious parties, have called for increased West Bank settlement construction, annexation of the occupied territory, perpetuating military draft exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, and limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ people and Palestinians. But protesters see the overhaul as a power grab fueled by personal and political grievances of Netanyahu - who is on trial for corruption charges - and his partners. ![]()
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