Israeli Parliament Passes Judicial Overhaul Bill

The Israeli Parliament, or Knesset, has passed a bill that limits judicial power, despite U.S. pressure and nationwide protests.

Key Details: The measure removes the power of the nation's Supreme Court to overrule "unreasonable government actions" and strike down ministerial appointments. Proponents argue that judicial reforms are necessary to correct an imbalance of power, with the courts intervening in political decisions. Opponents say the reforms would imperil Israel as a democracy.

Key Quote: "We have taken the first step in a historic process to correct the judicial system," said Israel's Justice Minster Yariv Levin, in congratulating the MPs on the vote.

For Context: The bill is the first piece of legislation that represents a component of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul. He was able to hold his coalition together in a party-line vote on the bill after proposed compromises with Israel's largest labor union and President Isaac Herzog failed earlier in the day.

How the Media Covered it: Some left-rated sources noted that Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan has deeply divided Israelis, and that opponents have petitioned the Israeli Supreme Court to intervene. Some right-rated sources noted that the fate of remaining judicial reform proposals is unclear.