As the demonstrations against the judicial overhaul are stepping up, becoming more robust, multifaceted and organized, Netanyahu's government is pushing ahead with its plans to overhaul the judicial system. Coalition members have been instructed to cancel all travel plans between July 10 and 26 and be present for Knesset votes.
While the initial step of the government's proposed legislative blitz involves reducing the influence of the "Reasonability," in consideration by the supreme court, an amendment by Likud MK Avichai Buaron speaks of going further and effectively removing the authorities of the attorney general, making the position an advisory role only.
Buaron's proposal states: "In a legal question arising before the government, a minister of state, or an administrative authority under their responsibility - the government or the minister concerned will decide how to act according to their discretion as long as a court has not ordered them to act otherwise. The government or minister will determine the position that will be presented on their behalf, or on behalf of an administrative authority under their responsibility, in any legal proceeding."
The Knesset's Constitutional Law Justice Committee, led by MK Simcha Rothman, met on Monday to discuss the proposed removal of the "Reasonability" standard which would prevent the courts from ruling against any decision by the government that does not directly violate the law and would immediately clear the path for the return to the government of trice convicted Shas leader Arye Deri
The coalition aims to bring the bills to a final vote before the end of the current session in late July. During the debate, Deputy Attorney General Gil Limon expressed his concern. "Reducing the Reasonability standard creates a black hole that undermines democracy. The coalition is granted a carte blanche to make arbitrary decisions on a whim," he said.
Judicial overhaul protesters demonstrated outside the home of Justice Minister Yariv Levin on Tuesday, clashing with police. At least six were arrested. They also claimed that they were being unjustifiably targeted by authorities after a prominent protest organizer Itzik Medina was hauled off by police from his home in front of his five children on Monday, to be questioned on plans to commit an act of violence. A large number of activists gathered at the Petah Tikva police station where Medina was taken into custody. He was later released without any restrictions imposed on him.