Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and Justice Minister Yariv Levin pictured as the Knesset approves the first reading of the "reasonableness" bill, early on July 11, 2023 (Knesset Channel screenshot)
The Knesset approves the “reasonableness” bill, a part of its planned judicial overhaul, in its first reading.
The bill passes 64-56 — with all members of the governing coalition voting in favor, and all members of the opposition voting against.
Coalition members clap hands, and Justice Minister Yariv Levin is embraced by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
The result is met with repeated cries of “shame” from the opposition benches. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana orders all opposition MKs who stood and shouted “shame” to be temporarily removed from the chamber.
Opposition MKs shout ‘Shame’ as the Knesset approves the first reading of the “reasonableness” bill, early on July 11, 2023 (Knesset channel screenshot)
The bill now goes back to the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, where it will be prepared for its second and third (final) readings. The coalition aims to get it enacted into law before the Knesset breaks for the summer recess at the end of the month.
The committee is set to meet tomorrow to begin that process.
The bill’s brief text completely bars courts from using the reasonableness test to invalidate or even discuss decisions made by the cabinet, ministers, and “other elected officials, as set by law.”
The Knesset approves the first reading of the “reasonableness” bill, early on July 12, 2023 (Knesset channel screenshot)
The bill is the first part of the coalition’s judicial overhaul package to advance since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suspended the legislative blitz in late March.
Help us report truthfully on social media
As a multimedia journalist, my job is to take the quality, fact-based journalism produced by The Times of Israel newsroom and make it accessible across every platform — from Instagram posts to podcasts to short-form videos.
This is how many, especially young people, consume news these days. But misinformation is rampant on social media. Our team at ToI produces accurate, responsible short-form reporting on Israel and the Jewish world.
If you believe in the importance of factual social media journalism, please consider joining our reader support group, The Times of Israel Community. Your financial support is essential to sustain responsible multimedia reporting.
We’re really pleased that you’ve read X Times of Israel articles in the past month.
That’s why we started the Times of Israel - to provide discerning readers like you with must-read coverage of Israel and the Jewish world.
So now we have a request. Unlike other news outlets, we haven’t put up a paywall. But as the journalism we do is costly, we invite readers for whom The Times of Israel has become important to help support our work by joining The Times of Israel Community.
For as little as $6 a month you can help support our quality journalism while enjoying The Times of Israel AD-FREE, as well as accessing exclusive content available only to Times of Israel Community members.
Thank you, David Horovitz, Founding Editor of The Times of Israel
From the Liveblog of
Monday, July 10, 2023
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on Google
