Israeli parliament approves key part of judicial overhaul that has exposed deep fissures in society

Israeli Parliament Approves Contentious Judicial Overhaul Amidst Massive Protests

The Israeli parliament gave its approval on Monday for a crucial component of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s contentious plan to revamp the country’s justice system. The move comes despite widespread protests that have exposed deep divisions within Israeli society.

During the stormy parliamentary session, opposition lawmakers chanted “shame” and eventually walked out of the chamber in protest. Nevertheless, Netanyahu and his far-right allies remain steadfast in their determination to proceed with the plan, which has strained social cohesion, caused unrest in the powerful military, and raised concerns from the United States, Israel’s closest ally.

The proposed overhaul seeks to implement significant changes aimed at limiting the powers of the judiciary. This includes reducing the Supreme Court’s ability to challenge parliamentary decisions and altering the process of judge selection. Netanyahu and his allies assert that these changes are necessary to curb the influence of unelected judges.

However, protesters from diverse segments of Israeli society view the overhaul as an attempt to consolidate power driven by Netanyahu’s personal and political motivations. Netanyahu is currently facing corruption charges, further fueling skepticism about his intentions.

In the recent vote, lawmakers approved a measure preventing judges from striking down government decisions based on their perceived “unreasonableness.” With the opposition absent from the hall, the measure passed by a wide margin of 64-0.

The approval of this key element of the judicial overhaul is expected to trigger more mass protests. The Movement for Quality Government, a civil society group, has already announced its intention to challenge the new law in the Supreme Court.

Demonstrators, concerned about the erosion of their country’s foundations, had earlier blocked a road leading to the parliament building. Additionally, thousands of military reservists have expressed their refusal to serve under a government that they believe is leading the country toward dictatorship, raising worries about the military’s preparedness.

Netanyahu’s hospitalization, where he had a pacemaker implanted, added further drama to the situation. President Joe Biden, critical of Netanyahu’s government and its overhaul plan, cautioned against rushing the legal changes in light of the division they were causing.

The extensive democracy protests have largely avoided addressing Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, as this issue might alienate supporters. Critics, however, view this rule over another people as a contradiction to Israel’s claims of being a liberal democracy and point out a significant blind spot in the protesters’ cause.

The approval of this portion of the judicial overhaul marks a significant step in the ongoing struggle between the government and the protestors, with both sides preparing for further escalation in the coming days.

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