Israel Passes Controversial Law Restricting Supreme Court, Sparking Backlash and Violence

The Israeli Knesset (parliament) on Monday passed a controversial law that would restrict the powers of the Supreme Court. The law, which was supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, would allow the Knesset to overturn Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority vote.

The law has been met with widespread criticism from legal experts, who argue that it would undermine the independence of the judiciary and weaken the rule of law in Israel. The law has also sparked protests and violence, with several thousand people taking to the streets of Tel Aviv on Monday night to denounce the legislation.

The protests were largely peaceful, but there were some reports of violence. Police said that several people were arrested after they threw rocks and bottles at police officers.

The law is the latest in a series of moves by Netanyahu’s government to consolidate power. In recent months, the government has also passed laws that would make it more difficult to remove Netanyahu from office and that would give the government more control over the appointment of judges.

Netanyahu’s critics say that the laws are an attempt to create a one-party state and that they are a threat to democracy in Israel.

• Legal experts: “The law is a dangerous attack on the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. It would allow the Knesset to overturn Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority vote, which would effectively give the Knesset the power to legislate whatever it wants.”
• Opposition politicians: “The law is a disgrace and a threat to democracy in Israel. It is an attempt by Netanyahu to consolidate his power and to make himself above the law.”
• Protesters: “We are here to say that we will not allow Netanyahu to destroy our democracy. We will not allow him to become a dictator.”

The law is likely to face legal challenges, and it is unclear whether it will be upheld by the Supreme Court. However, the law has already had a chilling effect on the judiciary, and it has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Israel.