Calay News
The text was approved by 64 deputies from the coalition made up of right-wing, religious orthodox, and extreme-right parties led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In contrast, the opposition decided to boycott the vote.
In a televised broadcast, Netanyahu defended the passage of the clause as a necessary democratic step, arguing that he seeks to restore a balance between powers and allow the elected government to pursue policies in line with the will of the majority of citizens.
The session in Parliament, known as the Knesset and made up of 120 legislators, was attended by Netanyahu, who was released early from the hospital after surgery to place a pacemaker.
On the outskirts of parliament, hundreds of protesters were dispersed with water cannons by the police, as the reform has generated massive protests since its presentation at the beginning of the year.
The president of the United States, Joe Biden, criticized the approval of the reform, arguing that important changes in a democracy must have a broad consensus to last.
The vote centered on the “reasonableness” clause, which will limit the ability of judges to overturn government decisions they deem “unreasonable.” This is the first key clause of the reform to become law, and other proposed changes include giving the government greater power to appoint judges.
Netanyahu’s government argues it needs to curb judicial overreach and ensure a better balance of powers, while critics fear the reform would undermine Israel’s liberal democracy by removing checks and balances on the executive.
The reform has also generated concern at the international level, and the German government urged the promotion of a broad social debate to foster a new consensus.
The opposition accuses Netanyahu of wanting to use this reform to annul possible trials against him, which he denies. Before the approval of the clause, the opposition leader, Yair Lapid, called for stopping the legislative process and declared that the country was heading towards disaster.
The protests have received support from various political and social sectors, both left and right, secular and religious groups, peace activists, military reservists, and workers from different sectors, all united in their opposition to the reform.
In the midst of the demonstrations, Avital Mesterman, a 42-year-old teacher, expressed her optimism thanks to the presence of all the people who are democratically protesting in Jerusalem.
