Israeli MPs have passed a highly controversial bill that removes the power of the Supreme Court to overrule government actions it deems unreasonable. This move is part of a series of contentious reforms aimed at curbing the courts’ authority, leading to massive protests in Israel. Opponents of the planned reforms argue that they pose a threat to Israel’s democracy. The government, on the other hand, contends that these measures are necessary to correct a perceived imbalance in power, with the courts increasingly intervening in political decisions.
The “reasonableness” bill, which is the first of the proposed reforms, was approved by a vote of 64 to 0, as the opposition boycotted the final vote. In the midst of the turmoil surrounding the bill, Israel’s president issued a warning to political leaders, stating that the country was in a state of national emergency.
Protesters have been expressing their opposition to the reforms for months, with tens of thousands marching from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The demonstrations have been met with police action, with protesters being sprayed with water cannons and arrested.
The crisis has deeply polarized Israel, with many arguing that it threatens the country’s democratic principles. The government maintains that the reforms are necessary to strengthen democracy, as it believes the Supreme Court has accumulated too much power over politics over the years. The situation has also led to dissent among reservists, with thousands vowing not to volunteer for service, raising concerns about Israel’s military readiness.
Internationally, the reforms have garnered attention, with US President Joe Biden calling for the “divisive” bill to be postponed.
