Controversial bill to limit Israeli court gets first nod

JERUSALEM — Israel's parliament has given initial approval to a bill that limits some Supreme Court power, part of a rebooted judicial overhaul by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that has set off a deep political crisis.

The drive to change the justice system by Netanyahu's ruling coalition of nationalist and religious parties has sparked unprecedented protests, stirring concerns among its Western allies.

Commanding 64 of the Knesset's 120 seats, Netanyahu's coalition on Monday won the first of three required votes for the new bill to be written into law. Protests against the bill intensified on Tuesday with nationwide disruptions pledged by organizers.

The bill seeks curbs on the Supreme Court's power to void decisions made by the government, ministers and elected officials by ruling them unreasonable. It now returns to the committee for discussion and could be altered before the final votes.

Critics argue that this judicial oversight helps prevent corruption and abuse of power. Proponents say the change will facilitate effective governance by curbing court intervention.

"It is not the end of democracy, it strengthens democracy," Netanyahu said in a video statement as the Knesset debated the bill.

"Even after the amendment, court independence and civil rights in Israel will not be harmed in any way. The court will continue to oversee the legality of government action and appointments."

But his statement did little to calm opponents.

The sound of protesters rallying outside the Supreme Court before marching to parliament could be heard loud and clear at the nearby Bank of Israel, after its Governor Amir Yaron urged the government to seek broad agreements over legislation of judicial reforms.

"Continued uncertainty is liable to have notable economic costs," Yaron told reporters, citing the underperformance of Israel's stock market.

Before the vote, a White House National Security Council spokesperson reiterated US President Joe Biden's call on the government to build a consensus and keep Israel's judiciary independent.

Agencies via Xinhua