CNN is reporting that Israel’s parliament today passed the controversial “reasonableness standard” bill. The bill is viewed by many as the first major legislation in the conservative government’s plan to weaken Israel’s judiciary, despite six months of protests and American pressure against the most significant shakeup to the court system since the country’s founding.
The bill passed in a vote of 64-0, with all members of the governing coalition voting in favor and all members of the opposition leaving the chamber during the roll call vote. The conservative ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views the law as the restoration of proper balance between Executive/Legislative (Keneset) and the Judiciary branches of government; however, the opposition views the law as unreasonable, as it strips Israel’s Supreme Court of the power to declare government decisions unreasonable.
The CNN report may be viewed HERE.
According to The Jerusalem Post, passage of the “reasonableness standard” bill means Israel’s Supreme Court can no longer strike down administrative decisions that are deemed “extremely unreasonable.” The reasonableness standard no longer applies to decisions made by the prime minister, the cabinet as a whole, or any specific minister – including matters pertaining to a minister’s appointment of government worker(s).
The Jerusalem Post article may be read HERE.
My brothers and sisters, the situation in Israel is consistent in many ways with so many governments across the globe which are divided along conservative and moderate or liberal lines. Such divisions are flaring right here in the United States (“US”), where liberal-leaning politicians feel that the US Supreme Court is “out of balance” and in need of change to reflect a more liberal ideology in its rulings.
The situation in Israel represents a true constitutional crisis, notwithstanding the irony that Israel does not actually have a formal constitution. As the only democratically-governed country in the middle east and our longstanding (and very special) ally in that part of the globe, the situation is serious.
Let’s pray for a resolution that will bring peace, unity and strength to the Israeli government. Sometimes the very best way to achieve agreement in civil government is through compromise (when such is morally appropriate). In so many ways, Israel is a beacon of light in the region and acts as a firewall against those of its neighbors seemingly set on violence and terrorism – desiring to destroy Israel and its people. Let’s not forget this is the land where Jesus’ feet will again touch the earth upon His return!
Isaiah 9:6-7 (Amplified Bible)
“For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given; [a]nd the government shall be upon His shoulder, [a]nd His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace, [He shall rule] on the throne of David and over his kingdom, [t]o establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness [f]rom that time forward and forevermore.”
Praise Jesus forevermore!
