The Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Judiciary Committee, headed by MK Simcha Roth (Religious Zionist Party) last night approved the Reasonable Standards Bill, which if enacted would limit the Supreme Court’s ability to review decisions of the executive branch. The law will be enacted if it is passed during the second and third readings by the full Knesset at the beginning of next week.
The debates last night were particularly stormy with the expulsion of two opposition advisers as the committee navigated 27,000 objections and strong opposition. In the end, the committee approved the bill by a vote of nine to seven.
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Earlier in the evening, MK Benny Gantz, chairman of the National Unity Party, called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume settlement talks at the President’s Residence and reach a consensus before approving the bill. At this point there was no response.
The next and final step in the legislative process will be the debates and voting in the Knesset for the second and third readings. Unusually, this will start on Sunday. Normally, the plenum only takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays, but the coalition is apparently uninterested in taking risks and carving out enough time for themselves. The debate will open at 10 am and is expected to last more than 24 hours and will include many speeches and objections by members of the opposition. If all goes well for the coalition, the law will be passed by midday Monday.
Although the committee approved the final text of the bill, it is still possible through objections to make changes to the proposed law even during the second and third readings.
Published by Globes, Israel business news – en.globes.co.il – on Jul 20, 2023.
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