Explained: How Israel’s top court lost a key power to rein in the government
The coalition just voted to abolish what is known as the “reasonableness standard” – the power of the High Court of Justice to block government decisions it deems unreasonable or implausible.
An “unreasonable” decision is defined as one that disproportionately focuses on political interests without sufficient consideration for public trust and its protection. Taking away that power from the top court would not only appease the judicial overhaul’s advocates, but would strengthen Netanyahu’s grip on power and allow him to take extreme measures without judicial interference.
