Likud MK says 1st decision by potential coalition is bill to override High Court

Likud MK Miki Zohar says the first order of business for a potential new government led by the party with other right-wing and religious parties is the passage of a bill allowing the Knesset to override High Court of Justice rulings.

Speaking to Channel 12 news, Zohar says: “We want to govern, so the main thing we will do is enact the override clause.”

But the Likud issues a statement saying Zohar’s proposal is “his personal opinion only.”

Responding, Zohar, who is 10th on the Likud slate, says he does not see himself as part of the coalition if it doesn’t include the clause.

The so-called override bill would give the Knesset the ability to reverse High Court decisions in cases where the bench strikes down new laws.

Such a measure has long been a goal of right-wing and ultra-Orthodox politicians, who have seen the court strike down measures regarding West Bank land appropriation, migrant detentions and ultra-Orthodox military enlistment deferrals.

Right-wing lawmakers have also touted the controversial proposal as a tool to shield Netanyahu from corruption charges he is on trial for.