Israel's Supreme Court has struck down part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial overhaul plan, a move that could further compound the country's constitutional and political crisis amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas. In July, the polarizing law drew massive protests and dissent due to its severe restrictions on the Supreme Court's oversight of the government. Today's ruling marks the first time all 15 Supreme Court justices have convened to hear a case and the first time they have invalidated a basic law or its amendment.
The contested legislation, known as the 'reasonableness bill,' aimed to remove the Supreme Court's power to overturn government decisions based on reasonableness. An example cited was the government's push for Aryeh Derry, leader of the Shus Party, with multiple convictions including tax fraud, to serve as a minister. The Supreme Court deemed it unreasonable and blocked the appointment. The court's decision to strike down this law now restores its authority to evaluate government actions against the grounds of reasonableness.
