High Court closes hearing on coalition deal after 9 hour debate

4 May 2020, 7:44 pm

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The High Court of Justice ends a marathon nine-hour hearing on the unprecedented three-year coalition deal negotiated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz, which includes profound changes to Israel’s constitutional order, some of which contradict established laws, tradition, and precedent.

The hearing in front of an expanded panel of 11 justices was dominated first by representatives of Likud, Blue and White, and the relevant branches of government, who all urged the court not to intervene in aspects of the agreement. They were followed by the petitioners, who argued that the justices were obligated to step in.

A ruling is expected by Thursday.

— Raoul Wootliff