New Israeli Knesset Bloc Plans Legislative Blitz to Undo Judicial Overhaul
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The "Change Bloc" in Israel's incoming Knesset plans a rapid legislative push to repeal laws from the previous government, starting with replacing the current Knesset Speaker. They aim to undo judicial overhaul legislation and other key laws within the 42-day mandate period before a new government is formed. Their legislative priorities include changes to the Attorney General's powers, the communications law, and the Judicial Selection Committee. The main obstacle is a tight timeframe and potential legal challenges.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The "Change Bloc" aims to replace Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana immediately upon the new Knesset's swearing-in.
- The bloc plans a legislative "blitz" to repeal key laws enacted by the previous Netanyahu government.
- Key legislative targets include changes to the Attorney General's office and the Judicial Selection Committee.
- The bloc seeks to leverage a High Court ruling to force an early vote on a new Knesset Speaker.
- Time constraints and potential legal challenges pose significant obstacles to the bloc's legislative agenda.
As the 26th Knesset prepares to convene on Tuesday, the "Change Bloc" is strategizing its initial parliamentary moves. A primary objective is to replace the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, to gain control over the legislative agenda. The bloc aims to rapidly repeal laws enacted by the outgoing Netanyahu coalition, particularly those concerning the judicial system, some of which have already taken effect.
Under current law, Ohana can remain Speaker during the transition period, with a new election to be held by the time a new government is formed, potentially taking up to two months. However, a High Court ruling from 2020 mandates an immediate vote on a new Speaker if 61 MKs demand it, even before a government is established. The Change Bloc intends to leverage this ruling, coordinating the move with Arab parties like Ra'am and the Joint List. They have already submitted a request to Ohana for a vote on Tuesday, the same day the Knesset is sworn in.
Following the potential replacement of the Speaker, and assuming the Mandate holder receives the mandate to form a government, a representative would be appointed to head the Arrangements Committee. This temporary committee holds significant power, including the establishment of other temporary legislative committees, until a government is fully formed. The Change Bloc plans to use the 42-day mandate period granted to the Mandate holder to push through legislation.
The bloc prioritizes repealing laws that remove the Police Investigations Department from the State Attorney's Office, the law affecting the Attorney General's authority, and the communications law promoted by Shlomo Karai. They also aim to reverse changes to the Judicial Selection Committee, which take effect with the new Knesset, altering its composition from legal representatives to public appointees and removing the judges' veto power. Additionally, they seek to pass a law enabling the Knesset itself to establish state inquiry commissions.
The primary challenge for the Change Bloc is time. The Mandate holder's 42-day mandate, and the potential loss of control over the Arrangements Committee if the mandate shifts to Netanyahu, creates a tight deadline. Legal constraints also exist, preventing hasty legislation on substantive matters and allowing for filibusters. While plans for a term limit law and a law concerning defendants were discussed, their advancement is uncertain due to legal complexities and potential retroactivity issues, with some opposing the latter due to its potential impact on Netanyahu's ongoing trial.
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