Israel approves divisive judicial overhaul, weakening court's power amid pro-democracy protests
The Israeli government passed on Monday a controversial judicial overhaul plan pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. LONDON -- Israeli lawmakers on Monday approved the key part of a divisive judicial overhaul plan pushed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Part of the plan -- which was proposed as a sweeping reform by Netanyahu's hardline nationalist government -- removes the court system's ability to strike down "unreasonable" decisions by the government. Critics said it would mark a move away from democratic ideals. Supporters said it would claw back some power from unelected judges. Lawmakers who opposed the bill stormed out of the chamber before a vote, resulting in the bill passing with a 64-0 unanimous approval. As opposing lawmakers left the floor, they called out "shame" and "government of destruction," officials said in a press release announcing the vote. MORE: Here's why Israelis are protesting Benjamin Netanyahu's ...