Netanyahu's Coalition Passes New Bill to Limit Supreme Court Powers

Israel's legislative branch took a major step towards a judicial overhaul on Tuesday, when the parliament preliminarily approved a bill that would limit the powers of the Supreme Court. The bill received 64 out of the Knesset's 120 votes, a majority of the parliamentary body, and is the first of three necessary votes for the bill to become law.

The bill is part of a rebooted judicial overhaul by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been pushing for the change since coming into office in 2009. Netanyahu's argument is that the Supreme Court has become too powerful and too involved in government matters, interfering with the government's ability to make decisions.

He has vowed to restore balance to the branches of government, allowing the legislature to make decisions without interference from the judiciary. The bill is not without its critics, however, who argue that it will erode the independence of the judiciary.

They claim that the new bill allows the Prime Minister to make appointments to the Supreme Court, and even weaken its ability to overturn laws passed by the government. This, they say, will make it easier for the government to pass laws without fear of judicial backlash.

The bill also has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that the new restrictions on the Supreme Court will make it more difficult for people to challenge the government's decisions in court. They say that this could lead to a decrease in the number of successful court cases, and that it could create an environment where the government can act without fear of consequences.

Despite the criticism, the bill is likely to pass in its current form. Netanyahu's coalition has the majority of the votes in the Knesset, and the Prime Minister has made it clear that he is committed to the judicial overhaul. It remains to be seen how the changes will affect the balance of power between the government and the judiciary, and how it will shape the future of Israel's legal system.

It is clear that the new bill will have far-reaching implications for Israel's judicial system. While there is no doubt that the Supreme Court has become too powerful and must be reined in, it is important to ensure that the government does not gain too much power in the process.

As the bill moves forward, it is essential that the Knesset consider the potential consequences of the changes and make sure that the rights of citizens are not infringed upon as the balance of power is redefined.