Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration is facing new pressure over its decision on judicial reform.
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| Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (center) arrives at the Jerusalem District Court on June 28 to hear information related to the case against him. (Source: Times of Israel) |
On July 13, the Israeli Supreme Court of Justice said that it is handling a class action lawsuit to remove Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from office and will bring it to trial as soon as possible.
Specifically, the petition was filed by the Democracy Fortress group on April 19, after Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that he would participate in the judicial reform process. They said that Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara had warned Mr. Netanyahu that if he participated in the judicial reform process, he would violate the conflict of interest agreement signed in 2020 to get the Supreme Court's approval to form a coalition government at that time.
The petition also calls on the Supreme Court of Justice to issue a temporary injunction preventing Mr Netanyahu from participating in the judicial reform plan.
Previously, the conflict of interest agreement paved the way for Mr. Netanyahu to form a government, despite the fact that he is under criminal investigation in three cases. Therefore, he is limited in his right to participate in the law enforcement process and judicial appointments, because this could interfere and affect the investigation and trial process of the three cases against him.
In February, Ms. Miara warned that Mr. Netanyahu's involvement in the judicial reform plan was a conflict of interest under the 2020 agreement. Another NGO, the Movement for Quality Government, has also filed a lawsuit against Mr. Netanyahu for violating the 2020 agreement and is seeking to take the leader to court.
After reviewing the petition, Judge Ruth Ronnen ruled that the panel would consider the petition in the near future, but did not set a trial date.
On the same day, some protesters are planning to hold large-scale events on the night of July 13 in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's homes in Jerusalem and Caesarea as well as in front of the US Embassy in Tel Aviv.
The event was intended to send a message to Washington to "continue to stand with the Israeli marchers". While the march in front of Prime Minister Netanyahu's residence was intended to show the leader that "Israel-US relations are deteriorating due to Netanyahu's personal fault".
Meanwhile, march organizers are also calling for a new "Day of Resistance" on July 17, with roadblocks nationwide and actions set to continue throughout the week.
In response, supporters of the judicial reform plan are planning a large march on July 23 in support of the legislative efforts pushed by the Government.
Also on July 13, the White House said US President Joe Biden will host his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, at the White House on July 18 to discuss Israel's regional integration and Russia's military relationship with Iran.
“Mr. Biden will emphasize the importance of our shared democratic values and discuss ways to advance equal measures of freedom, prosperity, and security for Palestinians and Israelis,” White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said.
Mr. Herzog's visit will mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel in 1948. Mr. Herzog has also been invited to address a joint session of the US Congress, Washington's top honor for foreign politicians.
Herzog's trip comes after a surge in violence in the occupied West Bank. The Biden administration has criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to expand new Jewish settlements. Netanyahu has yet to be received at the White House despite being elected to a sixth term in November.
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