Israel's Supreme Court Strikes Down Netanyahu Government's Attempt To Limit Judicial Powers, Sparks Tensions Amid Gaza Conflict

In a landmark decision, Israel's Supreme Court has overturned a controversial government plan aimed at restricting the powers of the judiciary, according to a report by Economic Times on Monday (1 January).

The court's decision, with eight votes against seven, challenges the government's attempt to amend the "reasonableness law", a key part of its strategy to reduce the judiciary's influence.

The ruling has the potential to reignite heated debates within Israel, creating possible divisions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war cabinet.

The amendment, passed in July last year, stripped the Supreme Court of its authority to declare government decisions as "unreasonable", leading to widespread public protests and opposition.

Opponents argued that the reform undermined judicial independence and threatened Israel's democratic principles.

Large-scale protests erupted following the law's passage, indicating widespread public resistance.

However, the court's decision, describing the amendment as a "severe and unprecedented blow" to Israel's democratic principles, introduces the possibility of a constitutional crisis if Netanyahu persists in pursuing these controversial changes.

Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict with Hamas further complicates the political landscape, raising concerns about potential tensions in the nation.