Civil rights groups urge Netanyahu not to pass ‘override law’

Likud party chairman MK Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media at the Shaare Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem on November 23, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
Likud party chairman MK Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media at the Shaare Tzedek hospital in Jerusalem on November 23, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

A coalition of 16 civil rights organizations send a letter to presumptive incoming prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging him not to allow an “override law” to be passed in the next government.

The incoming coalition plans to legislate an override clause that would allow lawmakers to reinstate legislation struck down by the High Court.

Negotiation teams from the right-religious coalition’s parties are currently debating the number of the Knesset’s 120 MKs that would be required to do so, but the clause itself is a legislative priority shared by all of the parties.

The petition cautions Netanyahu that passing such a law would lead to grave violations of human rights.

“Passing an override law may lead to a situation where the coalition, which is the majority at this time, will be given absolute and arbitrary control and unlimited power,” the petition says.

“In fact, the current political majority in Israel will give itself the authority to enact any law it wishes, even if the meaning of the legislation is a substantial violation of basic rights and a violation of the robustness and independence of the judiciary.”

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.