January 15, 2023
1 min read

Israel warned of ‘constitutional crisis’ amid govt’s judicial reforms

Last week, Levin announced a series of reforms, including giving the parliament the ability to override supreme court rulings with a simple majority…reports Asian Lite News

Israel’s President Isaac Herzog has warned of an impending “historic constitutional crisis” in the country over a “controversial” plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government to overhaul the judiciary.

Herzog said in a statement that he has been mediating over the past week between the involved parties, including Netanyahu, Justice Minister Yariv Levin who drew up the plan, and President of the Supreme Court Justice Esther Hayut, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We are in the grips of a profound disagreement that is tearing our nation apart,” he noted.

Herzog, whose role is mainly ceremonial and focused on unifying the divided Israeli society, said that his efforts are focused on “averting a historic constitutional crisis and stopping the continued rift within the nation.”

At his weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu dismissed the Saturday nationwide rallies, saying that in the elections held in November 2022, “millions of people vote on reforming the judicial system.”

He said the reforms will be discussed “thoroughly” in a parliamentary review committee, which also includes members from the opposition.

“We will complete the reform of legislation in a way that will fully protect individual rights and restore public confidence in the judicial system,” he added.

Last week, Levin announced a series of reforms, including giving the parliament the ability to override supreme court rulings with a simple majority. In addition, politicians will have greater influence in the appointment of supreme court judges and legal advisers to ministries.

Opponents of the plan, who rallied in Tel Aviv and other cities across Israel on Saturday night, argue that it would undermine the independence of the judiciary, harm minority rights and will make it easier for corrupted politicians to evade accountability.

On Thursday, Hayut described the plan as “an uncontrolled attack on the legal system.” In rare public remarks, she said it “intended to force a deadly blow on the independence and impartiality of the judicial system”.

ALSO READ: Protests grip Israel against judicial reforms

Previous Story

India to showcase northeastern states during G20 events

Next Story

India, UAE set to ink renewable electricity grid deal

Latest from -Top News

Hasina’s Defiant Words Before Ouster

Reportedly before leaving Hasina wanted to record a farewell speech to be aired on television, but military officials declined….reports Asian Lite News Following a violent student uprising last year, the Bangladeshi military

US Lawmakers Push AI Watchdog on China

The lawmakers stressed that “there is a strong national security need for better understanding, predicting, and preparing for the PRC’s AI progress…reports Asian Lite News Chairman John Moolenaar and Ranking Member Raja

Trump’s 51st State Pitch to Canada

The development follows a meeting between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 6, where Trump praised Carney’s political success….reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump claimed that he

Azhar Acquittal Sparks Outrage in Bangladesh

Jailed for nearly 13 years for war crimes, Azharul was received by party leaders and activists at the jail gate by his radical supporters….reports Asian Lite News Once accused of committing crimes

Trump Warns Putin: ‘Playing with Fire’

Trump on Sunday made harsh remarks on both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky…reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he is “playing with fire”
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Israel Teachers Union announces shutdown of elementary schools and kindergartens

The Israel Teachers Union has announced the shutdown of all

Iran Won’t Stop Israeli-Saudi Normalisation: Netanyahu

The Israeli Prime Minister added that Iran failed to prevent