The Knesset held its first vote on a bill that limits some Supreme Court power, part of a rebooted judicial overhaul by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that has set off a deep political crisis.
The vote, called the first reading, passed along party lines after a lengthy debate that saw some of Israel's most dramatic legislative moments, including protesters trying to storm the plenum. There are two more additional votes, or readings, before the bill becomes enacted.
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The drive to change the justice system by Netanyahu's ruling coalition of nationalist and religious parties has sparked unprecedented protests, stirred concern for Israel's democratic health among its Western allies and bruised the economy.
Video: Reuters / Knesset debates judicial reform bill
Commanding 64 of the Knesset's 120 seats, Netanyahu's coalition appeared on course to win the vote, the first of three required for the new bill to be written into law, with protests likely to intensify should that happen.
The new bill seeks a curb on the Supreme Court's power to void decisions made by the government, ministers, and elected officials by ruling them unreasonable.
Sources close to Netanyahu told Israel Hayom he was determined to have the bill fully passed by the end of the current Knesset session, which ends in several weeks. Only then, they say, will he consider returning to the talks of a compromise on the set of judicial reform bills currently on the Knesset docket. The talks that were initially held under the auspices of President Isaac Herzog collapsed several weeks ago, prompting Netanyahu to announce the renewed drive to pass the first set of legislative measures at overhauling the judiciary.
Critics argue that such a law, as well as others that might get passed, invites corruption and abuses of power. Proponents say it will facilitate effective governance by curbing court intervention.
"It is not the end of democracy, it strengthens democracy," Netanyahu said in a video statement released at sundown as the Knesset debated the bill.
"Even after the amendment court independence and civil rights in Israel will not be harmed in any way. The court will continue to oversee the legality of government action and appointments," Netanyahu said.
His statement did little to calm opponents.
The sound of protesters rallying outside the Supreme Court before marching to parliament could be heard loud and clear at the nearby Bank of Israel, after governor Amir Yaron urged the government to seek broad agreements over legislation of judicial reforms that would safeguard institutional independence.
"Continued uncertainty is liable to have notable economic costs," Yaron told reporters, citing an excess depreciation of the shekel and underperformance of Israel's stock market.
Netanyahu – who is on trial on graft charges he denies – has played down economic fallout from the campaign. On Sunday he signaled impatience with the demonstrations that have flared anew while protesters promised nationwide disruptions on Tuesday should the bill pass a first vote.
Herzog called on the sides to resume talks in order to resolve "the fundamental issues that are tearing us apart."
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