Knesset speaker slams ‘abhorrent’ High Court ruling against budget increase law

Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin responds to a High Court ruling saying the Knesset made “improper use” of its powers last year when it increased the 2020 budgetary framework by NIS 11 billion — without actually passing a budget — saying it’s an “abhorrent” decision made “without authority.”

“We are witnessing a crazy incident in which a tiny group of six people use the cover of their judge’s robes to carry out a leadership coup,” says Levin in a Facebook post.

Others on the right, including New Hope party leader Gideon Sa’ar and Yamina’s former justice minister Ayelet Shaked, slam the ruling as improperly using the judicial powers to overrule the Knesset.

The Movement for Quality Government watchdog welcomes the “brave” ruling, saying: “Israel’s Basic Laws aren’t a weather vane that changes according to the petty needs of various political actors.”