Tensions are high in Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a Cabinet minister who opposed an overhaul of the country’s judicial system. On Sunday, Netanyahu removed Amir Ohana, the Justice Minister, from his post after he refused to support a bill that would limit the powers of the Supreme Court.
The proposed legislation is backed by Netanyahu and his far-right allies, who have long sought to limit the court’s influence on government policy. Ohana, who is from Netanyahu’s Likud party, had previously supported the bill but later withdrew his support.
The move sparked a political crisis within the government, with Ohana accusing Netanyahu of “political persecution” and “manipulating” the system. Netanyahu, meanwhile, said that he was “committed to the rule of law and to upholding the separation of powers.”
The court system overhaul has been a highly contentious issue in Israel, with many seeing it as an attempt to weaken judicial independence. Critics argue that the proposed bill would reduce the court’s ability to check the power of the government and could lead to an erosion of civil liberties.
The controversy has led to widespread protests in Israel, with thousands taking to the streets in opposition to the proposed legislation. The demonstrations have been met with a heavy-handed response from police, with hundreds of protesters arrested in recent weeks.
The future of the court system overhaul remains uncertain, with the bill now facing an uncertain future in parliament. While Netanyahu has the support of his coalition partners, he is likely to face strong opposition from the opposition parties. In the meantime, tensions between the government and the protesters are likely to remain high.