Israeli President Isaac Herzog has proposed changes to a controversial bill after months of protests. According to the new plan, the position of the Israeli parliament and government will be strengthened, but at the same time the independence of the judiciary in the country will have to be guaranteed. However, the Israeli coalition has already said it does not support the amendments.
Critics see the reform as a threat to the separation of powers and warn that Israel could turn into a dictatorship. However, the government believes that the Supreme Court currently wields too much political influence and wants to put an end to this situation. According to a government representative, Yossi Fuchs, there is a “unilateral plan of the president”. According to Fuchs, coalition members have not agreed to the adjustments.
Under the government’s original bill, the Israeli parliament would have more say over the justice system, such as the appointment of judges. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, would become less powerful. The plan drew widespread criticism in Israel. Thousands of people have taken part in anti-government protests in recent months. In the amended bill, the Supreme Court retains, among other things, a greater role in the appointment of judges.
“Changes are needed”
In a speech Wednesday night, Herzog said changes in the distribution of power are needed, but that this requires a broad consensus. According to the president, Israel is “deeply in a real crisis” and a civil war is imminent.
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Herzog, who as president has mainly a ceremonial role, earlier this month spoke out publicly against the plans of the religious right government. He called the judicial reform wrong, repressive and undermining democracy. He then announced that he had brokered a compromise between supporters and opponents of the reform.
Source: BNR
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