Knesset debating first reading of bill to shield Netanyahu from recusal

Prime Minister and head of the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu leads a Likud party meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem , March 13, 2023. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)
Prime Minister and head of the Likud party Benjamin Netanyahu leads a Likud party meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem , March 13, 2023. (Erik Marmor/Flash90)

The Knesset is debating a  government-backed bill to prevent the High Court of Justice from having the power to suspend the prime minister from office.

Sponsored by Likud’s faction director, MK Ofir Katz, the bill is widely seen as a reaction to a decision by the High Court last month to hear a petition demanding that the court compel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a leave of absence from office, owing to his ostensible conflict of interests in presiding over far-reaching legal and judicial reforms while he is himself on trial for alleged corruption.

Netanyahu has signed a conflict of interest agreement barring him from dealing with matters that could affect the outcome of his trial.

The bill is widely expected to pass its first reading.

 

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.