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Israel's Knesset Passes Law Limiting Conditions For PM Removal

    Israel's Knesset Passes Law Limiting Conditions For PM Removal
    Last updated Mar 23, 2023
    Image credit: cnn

    Facts

    • On Thursday, Israel ratified a law limiting the circumstances in which a prime minister can be removed.
    • In a 61-to-47 vote, the Knesset approved the bill that would allow only the prime minister himself, or two-thirds of the cabinet, to declare the leader unfit. The cabinet vote would then need to be ratified by a super majority in the parliament.
    • Thursday’s legislation is one of several laws that comprise its contentious judicial reform and comes as thousands of demonstrators gathered throughout Israel in a fourth midweek day of protests. Tens of thousands have been attending weekly protests every Saturday for two months.
    • Meanwhile, after local media reported that Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was expected to give a statement calling for an immediate halt to the judicial overhaul, Netanyahu's office said the prime minister would issue "an important declaration" on Thursday night.
    • Netanyahu, originally due to speak at 8 p.m. local time, pushed back his scheduled appearance to 8:40 p.m. and summoned Gallant for a meeting. It's unknown whether the defense minister is still expected to speak.
    • Opposition politicians and protesters claim that the judicial reforms are leading Israel toward autocracy. Meanwhile, Netanyahu — on trial for corruption charges he denies — says the reforms are needed to restore the balance between the branches of government.

    Spin

    Left narrative

    Israel is on the verge of becoming a dictatorship as PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition dismantles all obstacles in his path to unlimited power, as evidenced by this latest bill, which is a self-serving tool to safeguard his iron grip on the nation. Many Israelis know the danger that could come if Netanyahu’s judicial reforms come to fruition and the courts lose their authority. Something must be done to stop this autocratic coup.

    Right narrative

    There are many vocal opponents trying to paint Israel’s judicial reform as a far-right takeover, but that is far from the truth; the reality is actually quite the opposite. The self-appointed Israeli Supreme Court has autocratic, unchecked powers that allow it to nullify and rewrite democratically-enacted laws and policies on the basis of subjective justifications. Consequently, these reforms are crucial to curb the court's undemocratic excesses and protect the rule of law.

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