Israeli Judicial Reform bill leads to further mass protests

A law passed by Israel's parliament on Monday that would overhaul the judiciary and limit its powers has sent the Occupied Palestine into unchartered territory amid mass protests from the opposition.

The regime's legislature approved the first bill of the plan in a tumultuous session on Monday, which resulted in the opposition legislators walking out in protest and shouting "shame".

The new legislation, known as the reasonableness bill, removes the ability of the Supreme Court to strike down the far right cabinets decisions deemed unreasonable.

The far right cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asserts that the judges have gotten too strong and need to be reined in.

In contrast, the opposition believes that the cabinet is aiming to weaken the judiciary and prevent it from being able to maintain checks and balances on the cabinet.

The opposition has also charged Netanyahu, who is currently on trial charged with several counts of corruption,with trying to use this scheme to quash possible judgments against him.

Israel is facing public unrest, labor strikes, and, mutiny by some members of the military. Growing numbers of military reservists have warned they will no longer report for duty, If the far right cabinet of Netanyahu continues with its plan.

Israeli doctors also began a 24 hours strike. The Israel Medical Association Chairman, Zion Hagai, has declared that physicians angered by the legislation were looking to move abroad.

Netanyahu has threatened disciplinary action against any who join in the strikes.

Local media reported the ruling cabinet was seeking an injunction compelling doctors to return to work.

A labor court eventually ordered the striking medical providers to go back to work but many appointments for the day had already been canceled.

Monday's bill was passed as part of a broader plan to overhaul the judiciary.

ME