Current:Home > FinanceIsrael approves divisive judicial overhaul, weakening court's power amid protests-InfoLens
Israel approves divisive judicial overhaul, weakening court's power amid protests
View Date:2024-12-23 11:58:00
LONDON -- Israeli lawmakers on Monday approved the key part of a divisive judicial overhaul plan pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Part of the plan -- which was proposed as a sweeping reform by Netanyahu's hardline nationalist government -- removes the court system's ability to strike down "unreasonable" decisions by the government. Critics said it would mark a move away from democratic ideals. Supporters said it would claw back some power from unelected judges.
Lawmakers who opposed the bill stormed out of the chamber before a vote, resulting in the bill passing with a 64-0 unanimous approval. As opposing lawmakers left the floor, they called out "shame" and "government of destruction," officials said in a press release announcing the vote.
MORE: Here's why Israelis are protesting Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan
"This extreme government is hugging and posing to celebrate the moment they made it that we are no longer a brotherly people," said Yair Lapid, former prime minister and opposition leader. "Celebrating the moment when they managed to throw into the ash heap of history everything that connects us."
He continued, "Today, we saw an unprecedented show of weakness by Netanyahu. There is no prime minister in Israel. Netanyahu has become a puppet on a string of messianic extremists."
A previously planned vote on the overhaul during parliament's last legislative session had been delayed after the plan sparked nationwide protests.
Thousands of protesters on Monday again lined the streets around the Knesset, where Israel's parliament meets in Jerusalem. They were met with a heavy police presence. Authorities fired water canons overnight and carried several protestors away on Monday morning.
The people out in mass in the streets wanted only to "overthrow the government that was democratically elected," Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir, the leader of the Jewish Power party, said on Monday.
Protests have simmered in Israel for months, since the planned changes were rolled out in December. Under Netanyahu's reforms, Knesset lawmakers would be able to override decisions made by the country's supreme court, a change that's seen by many as a move to consolidate power.
"Without the hundreds of thousands of people who took to the streets, the legislation would have continued unhindered," Lapid had said on Sunday. "I will do as much as I can to bring a broad consensus for a democratic and strong Israel."
Netanyahu was released from a hospital on Monday after spending two nights at the Sheba Medical Center, where he was fitted with a pacemaker.
President Joe Biden called on Sunday for Netanyahu not to "rush" his plan, adding that it's "becoming more divisive, not less."
"Given the range of threats and challenges confronting Israel right now, it doesn't make sense for Israeli leaders to rush this -- the focus should be on pulling people together and finding consensus," Biden said, in a remark first reported by Axios and confirmed by ABC News.
The two leaders spoke about the bill in March, when it was delayed.
ABC News' Joe Simonetti, Fritz Farrow and Alexandra Hutzler contributed to this report.
veryGood! (5944)
Related
- Justice Department says jail conditions in Georgia’s Fulton County violate detainee rights
- Shania Twain promises 'all the hits' for latest Las Vegas residency starting in 2024
- 7-year-old South Carolina girl hit by stray shotgun pellet; father and son charged
- Yep, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner Are Every Bit the Cool Parents We Imagined They'd Be
- Garth Brooks wants to move his sexual assault case to federal court. How that could help the singer.
- Messi injures foot in Inter Miami practice: Here's what we know before Leagues Cup semifinal
- Sage Steele leaves ESPN after settling her lawsuit over COVID-19 vaccine comments
- Bruce Willis’ Wife Emma Heming Shares She’s “Not Good” and Feels “Doom and Gloom”
- Stock market today: Asian stocks decline as China stimulus plan disappoints markets
- This 'Evergreen' LA noir novel imagines the post-WWII reality of Japanese Americans
Ranking
- Bitcoin has topped $87,000 for a new record high. What to know about crypto’s post-election rally
- Indiana revokes licenses of funeral home and director after decomposing bodies and cremains found
- Ravens teammates remember Alex Collins after RB's death: 'Tell your people you love them'
- WeWork sounds the alarm, prompting speculation around the company’s future
- Unexpected pairing: New documentary tells a heartwarming story between Vietnam enemies
- North Carolina dad shoots, kills Department of Corrections driver who ran over his son, police say
- See Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein in Netflix's first 'Maestro' teaser trailer
- Toyota, Chrysler among nearly 270,000 vehicles recalled last week: Check car recalls here.
Recommendation
-
Maryland man wanted after 'extensive collection' of 3D-printed ghost guns found at his home
-
Texas woman sentenced to 30 years in prison for role in killing of U.S. soldier Vanessa Guillén
-
Georgia election indictment highlights wider attempts to illegally access voting equipment
-
6 migrants dead, 50 rescued from capsized boat in the English Channel
-
Veterans face challenges starting small businesses but there are plenty of resources to help
-
The Originals' Danielle Campbell and Colin Woodell Are Engaged
-
Federal officials plan to announce 2024 cuts along the Colorado River. Here’s what to expect
-
Failed marijuana tests nearly ended Jon Singleton’s career. Now the Astros slugger is asking what if