2023-06-14 18:53:30
In the tough dispute over judicial reform in Israel, the right-wing religious government suffered a defeat on Wednesday. In a vote in parliament, a member of the opposition was elected by a narrow majority to represent him in a body to appoint judges – also with votes from the coalition. A government representative, on the other hand, did not get enough yes votes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously advocated electing one representative from the opposition and one from the government. However, because this threatened to fail due to the resistance of his radical coalition partners, according to media reports he called on the members of the government to vote against both candidates.
Because only one of the candidates received enough votes, the second position must now be voted on again within 30 days. The opposition does not want to continue negotiations on the judicial reform until the composition of the body has been finally determined. A failure of the talks could fuel the protests in the country massively again.
The appointment of judges is a central part of a judicial reform pushed by the right-wing religious government. Netanyahu’s coalition is aiming for a majority in the responsible body.
The controversial plans have divided large sections of the Israeli population since the beginning of the year. Mass demonstrations take place regularly, culminating in a general strike at the end of March. Since then talks have been going on about a compromise mediated by President Yitzhak Herzog.
Netanyahu’s coalition wants to use the comprehensive legislative proposal to specifically weaken the supreme court. She accuses him of excessive interference in political decisions. Critics see the separation of powers in danger and warn of a state crisis.
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