Netanyahu's Power Play: Israeli Lawmakers Approve Controversial Plan to Reshape Justice System Amidst Protests and Division
Israeli lawmakers approve controversial plan to reshape justice system, sparking massive protests and divisions within society. The overhaul aims to limit judiciary powers, drawing criticism and concerns over corruption and improper appointments. Opposition sees it as a power grab by Netanyahu, leading to tensions within the military. US President Biden warns against legal changes causing widespread division and raising questions about Israel's claim to be a liberal democracy. The law's passage prompts further protests and plans for legal challenge in the Supreme Court.
Israeli lawmakers have approved a key portion of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plan to reshape the country's justice system, despite massive protests and unprecedented divisions within Israeli society.
‼️ 🇮🇱🗳Uproar in Israeli Parliament as it passes 1st part of controversial judicial reform, with opposition walking out of building (vid above).
— {Matt} $XRPatriot (@matttttt187) July 24, 2023
PM Netanyahu's reforms have seen massive backlash by population and political opponents who say it will make country less democratic,… pic.twitter.com/QIA2bJATG4
The vote, which took place after opposition lawmakers stormed out of the chamber, reflects Netanyahu and his far-right allies' determination to move forward with the plan. The overhaul aims to curtail the powers of the judiciary, including limiting the Supreme Court's ability to challenge parliamentary decisions and changing the way judges are selected.
Supporters argue that the changes are necessary to limit the powers of unelected judges, while critics believe it will lead to corruption and improper appointments. The opposition, along with thousands of protestors, have condemned the move as a power grab by Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption charges.
Netanyahu & his far-right allies, defying mass protest, went ahead in passing a bill in the Israeli Parliament that will reduce judges’ ability to overrule government decisions & appointments. Israeli democracy is no more a democracy for Israelis, forget Palestinians!
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) July 24, 2023
The protests have also led to tensions within the military, with thousands of reservists refusing to serve under a government they see as leading the country towards dictatorship. The vote comes amidst concern from the United States, Israel's closest ally, with President Joe Biden warning against pushing ahead with the legal changes that are causing widespread division.
The massive demonstrations have also highlighted the issue of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, which some critics argue undermines the country's claim to be a liberal democracy. The passage of the law has sparked further protests, with civil society groups planning to challenge it in the Supreme Court.