Israel-Jerusalem/Tel Aviv: Israeli MPs have passed a highly contentious bill into law despite massive protests aimed at stopping it. The law strips the Supreme Court of its authority to overrule government actions deemed unreasonable. This measure is the first in a series of controversial reforms aimed at limiting the courts' power, sparking some of the largest protests in Israel's history as opponents fear the changes endanger the country's democracy. The government argues that the reforms are necessary to address an imbalance in power, with courts increasingly intervening in political decisions over the years. The so-called "reasonableness" bill was approved by a vote of 64 to 0, with the opposition boycotting the final vote in protest.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the move, characterizing it as "a takeover by an extreme minority over the Israeli majority." However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured that the court's independence would remain intact and justified the bill as a means to implement policies aligned with the majority of citizens. The passage of this bill marks the culmination of months of unrest, with the president warning of a national emergency. Protesters have been taking to the streets weekly since the beginning of the year, denouncing what they see as an attack on democracy. Meanwhile, reservists, including vital air force pilots, have pledged not to volunteer for duty, raising concerns about Israel's military readiness. Numerous prominent figures, including former heads of security services, chief justices, and business leaders, have criticized the reforms. The situation has also drawn international attention, with US President Joe Biden calling for the postponement of the "divisive" reforms. In response to the law's passage, doctors across Israel are set to strike in protest, arguing that the judicial overhaul will devastate the healthcare system. Legal action, a general strike, and resistance from thousands of military reservists are expected as the crisis deepens. The protests have triggered tense clashes with law enforcement, with protesters being dispersed using water cannon and skunk gas. The demonstrators, numbering around 20,000, have shown strong determination, vowing never to surrender. The streets of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have been flooded with protesters holding blue and white flags and demanding the preservation of Israeli democracy. The bill's opponents plan to challenge the new law in the Supreme Court, with Lapid leading the charge. Germany and the British Board of Deputies have expressed concern over the deepening tensions within Israeli society, urging for a broad social debate and consensus.

Jewish groups in the US have also condemned the bill, warning of its potential to damage relations with American Jews. In his televised address, Prime Minister Netanyahu defended the bill as a necessary measure to restore balance among government branches. He called for renewed dialogue with the opposition and called for national unity in the face of the crisis.