Israel's Supreme Court dealt a significant blow to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposed judicial overhaul on Monday, overturning a crucial component of the controversial plan.
The decision has the potential to reignite internal divisions in Israel, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing conflict with Hamas, as per to Daily News.
Israeli Court Nixes Netanyahu's Overhaul Amid Conflict
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chairs a Cabinet meeting at the Kirya, which houses the Israeli Ministry of Defence, in Tel Aviv on December 31, 2023. Netanyahu said Israel displayed unparalleled "morality" in the Gaza war and rejected South Africa's charge that it was committing "genocidal" acts in the Palestinian territory.
The proposed overhaul, introduced by Netanyahu's far-right government in January 2023, prompted widespread social unrest and drew criticism from military and security officials even before the Israel-Gaza war. The amendment to Israel's Basic Law, passed in July, aimed to limit the Supreme Court's power to block decisions deemed "unreasonable" by government ministers.
The Supreme Court has ruled 8-7 that the amendment is unconstitutional, and has ordered its removal. In a swift response, Netanyahu's Likud party has strongly condemned the decision, arguing that it contradicts the nation's yearning for unity, particularly in the midst of the ongoing conflict.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who has been a prominent advocate of the law, has expressed concerns about potential threats to the unity required for military success. He has made an offer to reconsider the overhaul once the war has come to an end.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed his appreciation for the ruling, emphasizing the crucial role played by the court in safeguarding the well-being of Israeli citizens. In light of the ongoing war with Hamas, celebrations were notably subdued.
The decision comes at a critical juncture for Netanyahu, who is grappling with a corruption trial and facing calls for his resignation over the government's handling of the recent attack by Hamas on southern Israel.
Netanyahu's coalition had initially introduced the judicial overhaul as a series of bills, sparking widespread protests and drawing criticism from various quarters, including President Biden, according to The Washington Post.
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Israeli Court Flags Crisis
The Supreme Court has raised concerns about a potential constitutional crisis if the government led by Netanyahu chooses not to comply. In spite of an ongoing war and the recent withdrawal of troops from Gaza, a complex situation has emerged on the ground. This development holds significant implications for Israel's domestic affairs as well as its standing on the international stage.
The court honed in on a particular facet of the overhaul, specifically addressing worries surrounding the Supreme Court's capacity to impede governmental determinations. The ruling has brought out the intricate balance between the executive and judicial branches within Israel's parliamentary system. In this system, the high court plays a vital role as a check on governmental actions.
As Netanyahu faces challenges on multiple fronts, including internal opposition and international scrutiny, the ramifications of the Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching consequences for the nation's political landscape. The complexity of the situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with questions arising about the government's clarity on post-war plans for the region.
While Netanyahu's office is yet to respond to the ruling, the decision introduces a new layer of uncertainty to an already intricate political scenario, potentially reshaping the trajectory of Israel's domestic and foreign policies, Washington Examiner reported.
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