Feb 23 • 09:38 UTC 🇮🇱 Israel Haaretz

Approval of a Special Committee to Promote a Law Preventing the Supreme Court from Disqualifying Ministers and Aimed at Protecting Ben Gvir's Tenure

The Knesset committee approved the establishment of a special committee to advance legislation that restricts the Supreme Court's ability to review ministerial appointments, specifically aimed at protecting National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir from removal.

This morning, the Knesset committee approved the establishment of a special committee tasked with advancing a proposed law to amend Israel's Basic Law regarding government, which would limit the Supreme Court's power to exercise judicial review over the appointment of ministers. This legislative initiative emerges amid ongoing legal challenges and petitions aimed at disqualifying Itamar Ben Gvir from his role as National Security Minister due to his controversial past and political activities. By restricting the court's ability to intervene in ministerial appointments, the proposed law seeks to ensure the stability of the current government and protect key figures within it.

The proposed legislation, informally referred to as "Deri Law 2," is intended to renew the legitimacy of the appointment of Aryeh Deri, the head of the Shas party, into government roles despite a Supreme Court ruling three years ago that rejected such appointments. The earlier ruling highlighted concerns over appointments that might contradict principles of democracy and meritocratic governance. The new initiative is viewed by critics as an attempt to undermine judicial authority in Israel and further entrench political favor within the cabinet, particularly for ministers with controversial reputations.

This move has sparked a significant debate among political leaders, legal scholars, and the public regarding the balance of power between the judiciary and the executive branches of government. Supporters of the law argue that it is necessary to safeguard the political stability and integrity of the government against judicial overreach, while opponents claim it represents a dangerous erosion of checks and balances that are fundamental to democratic governance. As this legislation progresses through the Knesset, its implications for future governance and the role of the Supreme Court in Israel will continue to unfold.

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