Daily Briefing Jul 25: Day after society-rending vote, new contentious bill presented

Editor David Horovitz and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn break down reasonableness law passage, chaotic aftermath and petitions to High Court that may lead to a showdown

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 15-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world, from Sunday through Thursday.

Editor David Horovitz and Knesset correspondent Carrie Keller-Lynn join host Amanda Borschel-Dan in today’s episode.

Yesterday, the Knesset passed in a 64-0 vote the first major law of the government’s judicial overhaul. Chaos immediately erupted and protesters blocked roads and clashed with police across the country for hours. Keller-Lynn sets the scene for us.

Horovitz wrote an op-ed yesterday that ended with the suggestion that while the coalition secured a victory, Israel has sustained a dangerous defeat. He shares thoughts on the mood of the country.

The Biden administration quickly responded to the passage of the reasonableness bill, as did major Diaspora Jewish organizations. What were they saying?

As of recording time, there are at least six petitions to the High Court over the bill’s passage, including from the Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG) and the Israel Bar Association. What are some of their arguments and are we heading to a showdown between the judicial and executive branches?

This morning an additional bill is being floated by United Torah Judaism — and it too has societal-rending significance.

Discussed articles include:

Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul victory spells a tragic, disastrous defeat for Israel

Coalition passes 1st judicial overhaul law, limiting review of government decisions

Gallant explains vote for contentious overhaul bill: ‘Best that I stay at the wheel’

White House laments unilateral passage of overhaul bill, as Democrats echo alarm

‘First step to destroying democracy’: Diaspora groups alarmed as overhaul law passes

High Court justices rush back from abroad to hear petitions against ‘reasonableness’

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