In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, Israel’s parliament has approved a law expanding political control over judicial appointments. The law, which was passed with a vote of 67 in favor and one against, has been met with fierce opposition from various parties, who have already filed an appeal against it with the supreme court.
The new law increases the power of elected officials to appoint judges, a move that has been criticized as a threat to the independence of the judiciary. According to Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the law aims to “restore balance” between the legislative and judicial branches
However, opponents of the law argue that it is a clear example of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s authoritarian shift towards an illiberal democracy. They warn that the law could pave the way for authoritarian rule and be used by Netanyahu to quash possible convictions against him in his ongoing corruption trial.
The passage of the law has sparked massive protests across Israel, with thousands taking to the streets to express their opposition. The opposition has vowed to continue fighting against the law, with Yair Lapid, leader of the centre-right Yesh Atid party, announcing that he had filed an appeal with the supreme court against the law.
The controversy surrounding the law has highlighted the deep divisions within Israeli society, with many fearing that the law could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s democracy.
CJ GLOBAL Key Points:
– *Law Passed:
Israel’s parliament has approved a law expanding political control over judicial appointments.
– Opposition:
The law has been met with fierce opposition from various parties, who have already filed an appeal against it with the supreme court.
– *Authoritarian Shift:
Opponents of the law argue that it is a clear example of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s authoritarian shift towards an illiberal democracy.
– *Protests:
The passage of the law has sparked massive protests across Israel, with thousands taking to the streets to express their opposition.
