Israel’s Supreme Court on Monday struck down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial law limiting judicial powers in a decision that threatens to throw the country back into civil division as the war with Hamas continues.
The high court narrowly overturned a law passed in July that prevents judges from overturning government decisions they deem “unreasonable.”
The Middle East county saw months of mass protests that led to the passage of highly controversial legislation, passed with 64 votes in the 120-member Knesset and which was part of a package of planned reforms for the judicial system.
But reform stalled after Hamas militants caught Israel off guard when they attacked the Jewish state on October 7, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 240 more.
In Monday’s ruling by an 8-7 majority, the Supreme Court said it struck down the law for “severe and unprecedented harm to the central character of the State of Israel as a democratic country.”
The court also concluded that the Knesset is not “omnipotent” and held that judges have the power to repeal “Basic Laws,” or important parts of law that are similar to a country’s constitution.
On Monday, Israel’s Supreme Court struck down Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial law that limited judges’ powers. AP
Opponents argued that the reform would move Israel away from Western democratic norms by decreasing checks and balances between branches of government. They feared this would 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 authority in the hands of elected officials, strengthening democracy.
Opponents of the reform saw it as a way for Netanyahu to shore up his power and limit the power of the courts, while he faces trial on corruption charges.
Monday’s decision could threaten to return the country to civil division over Netanyahu’s controversial judicial reform. AFP via Getty Images
The country’s divisions were largely marginalized by the war, but Monday’s ruling could renew civil unrest.
The decision was made as President Esther Hayut marked her last day in office on Monday before her retirement.
With post cables
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Source: vtt.edu.vn