Knesset Passes Controversial Law Limiting Power of Supreme Court Despite Months of Protests from Tens of Thousands of Israelis

Israel’s Knesset has passed a controversial law that limits the power of the Supreme Court and prevents judges from overturning government decisions on the basis of them being “unreasonable.” The law was passed by a 64-vote majority, despite months of protests from tens of thousands of Israelis.

The law is part of a long-promised package of proposals from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition of far-right and hard-line religious parties. The proposals include a bill that would allow a simple majority in parliament to overturn Supreme Court decisions.

The law has been met with strong opposition from many in Israel, who argue that it is an attempt to weaken the Supreme Court and limit its power. Critics of the law point to the fact that it was passed despite the court ruling that the appointment of a minister was “unreasonable in the extreme” due to his criminal convictions.

The protests against the law have been some of the most sustained and intense demonstrations the country has ever seen. Demonstrators have called for the law to be repealed and for Netanyahu to step down.

The law is a major step in Netanyahu’s plans to overhaul the judiciary and weaken the Supreme Court. It remains to be seen how the law will be implemented and what its long-term effects will be.