Israel court to review law that sparked protests

The Israeli Supreme Court said on Wednesday it would hear petitions opposing recent legislation that takes steps to overhaul the country’s judicial system. Parliament, called the Knesset, on Monday passed the first law in a series of planned reforms. The full plan was announced in January by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu less than a week after Netanyahu’s coalition was sworn into power. The vote sparked massive protests and a walkout by opposition lawmakers.

Why do people oppose the law? Until Monday, the court had the power to declare any proposed legislation “unreasonable” and send it back for further review. The bill gives Parliament the ability to override an “unreasonable” ruling and approve the law by a majority vote. Opponents say the changes will upset the balance of power in the government, while supporters argue reforms are necessary to rein in an overly politicized judiciary.

Dig deeper: Read Jenny Lind Schmitt’s report in WORLD Magazine about the changing role of religion in Israeli politics and public life.