Today: 30 May 2025
13 September 2023
1 min read

Israel SC Holds Historic Hearings on Judicial Overhaul Law

The appeals ask the court to strike down a major law passed by Netanyahu’s far-right coalition in July, arguing that it is unconstitutional and would promote corruption…reports Asian Lite News

Israel’s Supreme Court opened hearingsagainst a law passed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, part of the judicial overhaul that sparked nine months of demonstrations and divided the nation.

On Tuesday, panel comprising all the 15 judges of the Supreme Court convened for the first time in Israel’s history to hear appeals against a newly passed law that cancels some of their power, reports Xinhua news agency.

In an unprecedented situation, the judges are required to decide whether to accept the restrictions on their own powers.

The appeals ask the court to strike down a major law passed by Netanyahu’s far-right coalition in July, arguing that it is unconstitutional and would promote corruption.

The new law cancels the court’s ability to override government decisions deemed “unreasonable”, a standard rarely used by Israeli judges, typically reserving it for cases they regard as severely flawed or corrupted.

The law is a key part of Netanyahu’s plan to weaken the judicial system, which was first presented in January and has thrown Israeli society into turmoil, harmed the economy and triggered mass refusals to show up for duty by military reservists.

“Can you hold a discussion of this question, without bias or predisposition, given that it is a matter of your status, your honor and your authority?” Simcha Rothman, a lawmaker in Netanyahu’s coalition and one of the main architects of the overhaul, asked the court.

President of the Supreme Court Esther Hayut responded: “We are not discussing ourselves, neither our status nor our honor. We are discussing the public’s vital interests.”

It was not immediately clear when the ruling would be made, but according to state-owned Kan TV news, the court’s decision is expected before January 2024.

It was also not clear whether the government would abide by the ruling, as only four ministers announced that they would accept the Supreme Court’s ruling even if it revokes the controversial law.

ALSO READ-Speculation Abounds Over Historic Israel-Saudi Deal in Saudi Talks

Previous Story

North Korea Fires Unspecified Ballistic Missile

Next Story

India to Face Thailand in Jharkhand Women’s Hockey Opener

Latest from -Top News

World needs Dubai’s ambition: Morgan

Piers Morgan has hailed Dubai’s transformation as an example of what visionary leadership can achieve. British broadcaster Piers Morgan has praised the extraordinary ambition and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin

Mohammed honours football champions

Ruler of Dubai hails players as role models during palace reception His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, received the

Abu Dhabi sets 2050 energy vision

Abu Dhabi unveils AED400 billion energy roadmap, inked climate finance pact ahead of 2026 UN Water Conference Abu Dhabi has unveiled a sweeping strategic framework to transform its energy and water sector

Gargash: UAE’s pragmatism sets regional example

Anwar Gargash says the UAE stands as a beacon of what is possible when pragmatism and vision come together. As political instability, economic fragmentation and rapid technological change continue to reshape the

US flag returns to Damascus

Billions in energy deals and lifted sanctions mark Syria’s reintegration, as US reopens embassy and declares the war-torn nation “open for business” under new regional partnerships. The United States has reopened its
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UAE, Israel begin FTA talks

The UAE also launched similar talks with India and Indonesia…reports

Netanyahu moves out of PM’s residence after 12 years

Netanyahu left the Jerusalem residence overnight Saturday-Sunday, however, the information