TAL AVIV: Israel’s top court on Monday struck down a key component of the government’s controversial legal judicial reform, which challenged the powers of the judiciary and triggered mass protests.
In an 8-7 verdict, the Supreme Court justices ruled against the law because of the severe and unprecedented harm it causes to the country.
The decision could reopen the fissures in Israeli society that preceded the country’s ongoing war on Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu had argued the judicial reform was necessary to rebalance powers between judges and politicians.
Critics say the judicial revamp could open the way to more authoritarian rule by removing checks and balances on the executive.
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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 triggered one of the largest protests
Reforms had triggered one of the largest protest movements in the country’s history since it was introduced by the government in January.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the architect of the controversial judicial reforms on Telegram said that the court’s ruling takes away voice from millions of citizens.
He criticized the judges for taking all the power into their hands.
However, opposition leader Yair Lapid welcomed the verdict and warned of the resurgence of internal divisions in Israeli society.
Protest leaders, who had mobilized tens of thousands of demonstrators weekly before Gaza war also welcomed the ruling.
Protesters had rallied weekly against the controversial government reforms since they were first unveiled in January 2022.
