The Israeli Knesset (Parliament) has passed, in the first of three readings, a controversial Bill to overhaul the country’s Judiciary.
It did so in the face of bitter Opposition criticism and after tens of thousands of anti-reform protesters gathered outside the Knesset building.
Voting was 63 in favour and 47 against, with no abstentions, although some lawmakers boycotted the vote.
The legislation now returns to the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee for preparation for its second and third readings, which are expected by the end of March.
The legislation aims to amend Israel’s Basic Law relating to the Judiciary, cementing Government control over judicial appointments and revoking the High Court’s ability to review Basic Laws.
The vote was preceded by more than six hours of fiery debate in which Government Coalition Members insisted the legislation would strengthen Israeli democracy, while the Opposition warned the Government was destroying its foundations.
The vote also came after tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered outside the Knesset waving Israeli flags and chanting “de-mo-cra-cy” as they demanded the Government halt its efforts to radically transform the Judiciary.
Minister for Justice, Yariv Levin (pictured), a key architect of the overhaul, hailed the vote as a move toward “bringing back democracy” by bringing wider representation to the Judiciary.
Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the vote as “a great day.”
Leader of the Opposition, Yair Lapid lambasted the Coalition, warning that the legislation would cause severe repercussions.
“Coalition members — history will judge you for tonight,” Mr Lapid said.
“For the damage to democracy, for the damage to the economy, for the damage to security, for you tearing apart the nation of Israel and that you just don’t care,”
Jerusalem, 21 February 2023
