The debate dragged on for eight hours into the evening and into the night before the proposed legislative changes survived the first round by a 63 to 47 vote after midnight Tuesday, write Haaretz. Thus, it appears that Netanyahu could gain momentum for reform.
Great night and great day. wrote on Twitter After the initial round of voting.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (centre) got what he wanted in the first Knesset vote last night.
Photo: Paul/Reuters
Earlier in the day, thousands of protesters gathered in front of the National Assembly, the Knesset. It is the second week in a row that Israelis have gathered outside the National Assembly to protest the government’s legal reform.
There have been many protests against the reform, which critics believe weakens Israeli democracy.
Photo: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters
The struggle for the “soul of the nation”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid says the protesters are fighting “for the soul of the nation”.
he Write on Twitter The reform “would damage democracy, the economy and security” in the country.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has encouraged the government and opposition to discuss a settlement several times. Both parties have said they are willing to do so, but they disagree on the terms.
Critics believe that the reform will erode the independent role of the courts, and that the prime minister will transfer power from the courts to one hand.
The judicial reform proposal must go through two more rounds of voting before the outcome is final.
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