Israel’s Supreme Court today overturned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial law limiting judicial powers in a decision that threatens to plunge the country back into civil disunity as the war with Hamas continues.
The high court narrowly struck down a law passed in July that prevents judges from overturning government decisions they deem “unreasonable.”
The Middle Eastern region saw months of mass protests that led to the passage of the highly contested law – passed by 64 votes in the 120-member Knesset and which was part of a planned reform package for the judicial system.
But the overhaul was temporarily halted after Hamas militants caught Israel off guard when it attacked the Jewish state on Oct. 7. killed 1,200 people and kidnapped 240 more.
In an 8-7 majority decision Monday, the Supreme Court said it struck down the law because of its “severe and unprecedented harm to the core character of the State of Israel as a democratic state.”
The court also found that the Knesset is not “omnipotent” and held that judges have the power to overturn the “Basic Law” — or most of the laws similar to the constitution in the country.
Israel’s Supreme Court today struck down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial law that limits the powers of judges. AP
Opponents argue that the overhaul will distance Israel from Western democratic norms by reducing checks and balances between the branches of government. They fear this will lead to corruption and nepotism in important government positions.
Netanyahu and his allies argued that the changes would limit the power of unelected judges and instead put more power in the hands of elected officials – strengthening democracy.
Challengers of the overhaul see it as a way for Netanyahu to increase power and limit the power of the court – as he stands trial on corruption charges.
Monday’s decision could threaten to throw the country back into civil disunity over Netanyahu’s controversial judicial overhaul. AFP via Getty Images
Parts of the country have been mostly spared because of the war but Monday’s decision could renew civil unrest.
The decision was made as President Esther Hayut served her last day in office Monday before her retirement.
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
