Israeli Knesset Passes 'Judiciary Neutralization' Bill... Opposition and Others Protest

The ultra-hardline right-wing government of Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has ultimately pushed through legislation that drastically reduces the powers of the judiciary.

On the 24th (local time), citizens protesting against the Israeli government's push for the 'Judicial Control Plan,' led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are displaying the Israeli flag. [Photo by AP]

On the 24th (local time), the Israeli Knesset (parliament) held the second and third readings of the "Basic Law Amendment on the Judiciary" proposed by the ruling coalition and passed the bill after a vote.

With the amendment, the Supreme Court of Israel will no longer be able to overturn major executive policy decisions, such as ministerial appointments, deemed to be beyond a reasonable scope through judicial review. In effect, the judiciary has lost its final means to check the government's unilateral actions.

Amid strong resistance from Israeli citizens and concerns from the international community, including the United States, the seven-month-long controversy over "judicial reform" has concluded as intended by hardliners within the Israeli coalition government.

Before the vote, the Knesset began debating the bill from the morning of the previous day. Opposition lawmakers continued legal procedural obstruction (filibuster), resulting in an all-night debate lasting 26 hours, but the bill was ultimately passed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.