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by Hezki Baruch
(A7)The Knesset on Monday night approved the first reading of the first two laws of the judicial reform being promoted by Minister Yariv Levin.
Two bills were brought for a vote which relate to the Basic Law: The Judiciary. The two clauses which were approved are the clause dealing with changing the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee, so that it have a majority of members of the coalition, as well as the clause that will prevent the Supreme Court from striking down Basic Laws.
The bills were approved by a majority of 63 MKs who vote in favor and 47 who voted against. They will not be returned to the Knesset Constitution Committee, which will prepare them for their second and third readings.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin said after the vote, “We have taken a very important step in the process of correcting the judicial system. No longer a legal system that belongs to the elites, no longer an aristocracy. From now on – the court will belong to everyone. I am again calling on the leaders of the opposition and its members – show responsibility. Sit down and negotiate. Understandings can be reached. But the legislation cannot be watered down. I am determined to pass the reform – and nothing will deter me.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told reporters upon leaving the plenum: “An important night and a big day. We need to enter into negotiations without preconditions.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid responded to the approval of the proposal and said: “Members of the coalition, history will judge you for this night. For the damage to democracy, for the damage to the economy, for the damage to security, for the fact that you are tearing the people of Israel apart and you simply don’t care.”
