With the current government in its final days, perhaps only weeks from witnessing the filing of a criminal indictment against the prime minister, the cabinet nevertheless sees no problem in continuing to address major issues, matters carrying long-term ramifications in a number of spheres in Israeli society.

The consensus appears to be that the cabinet should address day-to-day events, but it no longer enjoys a mandate from the electorate to address peace agreements with Israel’s neighbors, or other major issues such as an expulsion/compensation plan, or changes in the law regarding matters pertaining to the Supreme Court.

Nevertheless, the cabinet on Sunday will address a proposal from Justice Minister Daniel Friedman which seeks to limit the authority of the Supreme Court. This most controversial issue will undoubtedly arouse much commentary among lawmakers, with Freidman’s proposal seeking to strip the nation’s highest court of the ability to override Knesset Law, with the exception of matters ruled to be in violation of one’s basic rights as per the nation’s Basic Law.

Friedman’s amendment also permits the Knesset in a simple majority of 61 to override the High Court should it decide to nullify Knesset legislation. Labor Party officials have signaled they plan to oppose the minister’s bill, explaining they view it as a move to interfere with the nation’s judicial system, especially the high court.

Labor Minister Ophir Pines and Shalom Simchon turned to Cabinet Secretary Oveid Yechezkel to remove Friedman’s bill from the cabinet’s agenda.

Friedman’s bill is being labeled the Supreme Court Bypass Law.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)