Despite massive protests, Israel's controversial judicial reform continues to progress rapidly. After hours of debate, the parliament in Jerusalem approved an amendment to the law on Monday evening that would make it much harder to declare a prime minister unfit for office. 61 out of 120 MEPs voted in favour at first reading and 51 against. The rest were absent or abstained.
Two more readings are needed before the amendment enters into force. According to media reports, the right-wing religious government of Benjamin Netanyahu wants to push through core elements of the controversial reform in a fast-track procedure this month.
The draft stipulates that a three-quarters majority in parliament would be required for the impeachment of a prime minister. In addition, this dismissal would only be possible for mental or other health reasons. The move is intended to prevent the Supreme Court or the Attorney General's Office from influencing impeachment.
People have been protesting against the reform for ten weeks
Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had warned that this change could lead to "absurd situations". It would create a "black hole" because it would prevent any legal oversight.
On Tuesday night, a debate and vote on other aspects of the judicial reform were also planned in parliament. The amendments are intended to allow Parliament to overturn Supreme Court decisions by simple majority. In addition, the ability of the Supreme Court to repeal ordinary laws is to be restricted.
For ten weeks there have been massive protests against the judicial reform, but efforts to reach a compromise have so far been unsuccessful. There are increasing warnings that Israel is heading for a dangerous state crisis.