Summary:
- Protests erupt in Israel following the approval of the first part of Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform bill.
- The bill aims to limit the powers of the Supreme Court and eliminate checks and balances.
- Benjamin Netanyahu expresses willingness to seek agreement with opposition leaders after the vote.
- The United States labels the passing of the bill as unfortunate, urging compromise.
- Israel's seven-month-long battle over the proposed changes sparks major protests involving different groups.
Protests erupt in Israel as parliament passes the first part of Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform bill, leading to a weakening of Israel's Shekel. The far-right coalition's 64-0 vote takes them one step closer to limiting the Supreme Court's powers and eliminating checks and balances.
After a 30-hour debate, Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right coalition successfully passed the first part of the judicial overhaul bill with a unanimous 64-0 vote in Israel's parliament. The bill aims to limit the powers of the Supreme Court and remove existing checks and balances, prompting widespread protests across the country.
Netanyahu, after the vote, expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with opposition leaders who boycotted the proceedings. He aims to find common ground and reach an agreement on the contentious bill. In his statement, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of preserving Israel as a strong democracy, protecting individual rights for all citizens, and ensuring that the country does not become governed solely by halakha, the Jewish religious law. He reaffirmed that the independence of the courts will be maintained and that no single party should dominate the judiciary.
However, the passing of this bill has not been without international concern. The United States has labeled the development as unfortunate, with President Biden previously urging Netanyahu to consider compromising on the legislation.
Throughout the seven-month-long debate over the proposed changes, the bill has triggered significant protests involving military reservists, unions, and medical professionals. Demonstrators have expressed their concerns about the potential erosion of democratic principles and the impact on individual rights.
The passing of the first part of the judicial overhaul bill marks a crucial step in Israel's political landscape. As protests continue and international scrutiny persists, the future of the country's judicial system hangs in the balance.