JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday defended as necessary parliament’s vote for an important clause of his administration’s controversial judicial reforms, defying huge protests and international concern.
Netanyahu and his coalition allies accorded approval to the bill earlier on Monday following an intense parliamentary session, which saw opposition legislators boycott the decisive vote with some shouting shame, shame, according to media reports.
Critics say the judicial revamp could open the way to more authoritarian rule by removing checks and balances on the executive.
The text passed with sixty-four votes in the 120-seat chamber. It aims to restrict the powers of the Supreme Court in annulling the government decisions which the judges deem unreasonable.
The PM justified the decision by saying that the vote was a necessary democratic step.
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He said in a televised address that the amendment was approved on reasonability so the government can adopt policy in line with the majority of the citizens’ decision.
Israel’s traditional ally Washington expresses concerns
Israel’s traditional ally Washington has repeatedly expressed concern about the political turmoil and described the latest vote as unfortunate.
The coalition government of Netanyahu, which includes ultra-Orthodox and far-right Jewish parties, said that the proposed changes are required to ensure a better balance of power.
Reforms have triggered one of the largest protest movements in the country’s history since it was introduced by the government in January.
The trade union confederation Histadrut threatened a countrywide strike in response to the voting in parliament, urging the government to resume talks with the opposition.
Arnon Bar-David, Histadrut chairman, said in a statement that any unilateral progress of the reform would have serious results. The confederation is ready for strike if necessary.
