Jerusalem: A judicial law supported by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's hard-right coalition has hurt him in the polls, escalating a crisis that has alarmed Washington, the military, the economy, and the Israeli people.
According to polls released late on Tuesday by two major Israeli news outlets, the number of seats held by Netanyahu's governing coalition in the 120-seat Knesset would decrease from 64 to 52 or 53 if elections were held right now.
N12 News reported that the number of seats held by Netanyahu's Likud party would decrease from 32 to 28, and broadcaster Reshet 13 reported that it could drop as low as 25 seats.
Also Read: Justice Prevails: Guilty Verdicts Delivered in Brussels 2016 Attack Trial
Despite large-scale street protests and vehement opposition, Netanyahu's nationalist-religious coalition, which was established following an election on November 1 of last year, approved legislation on Monday that will restrict some of the Supreme Court's powers in the legislature.
It was the first time a bill that is a component of the government's effort to reform the judiciary had been ratified. The plan, which was announced in January, has sparked unprecedented street demonstrations and raised questions about the democracy of the state of Israel internationally.
According to N12's poll, 38 percent of respondents approved of Netanyahu, and the majority of Israelis wanted his judicial plan either completely scrapped or negotiated with the opposition. Less than 25% of those surveyed expressed support for the legislative package.
Also Read: Mediterranean Sizzles: Record-Breaking Heat Hits the Seas
Netanyahu, who denies the charges against him in a corruption trial, has stated that he wants to reach agreement on any additional legislation by November.
The United States has called the legislation passed on Monday "unfortunate" and urged him to reach broad agreements on judicial reforms.
However, Netanyahu's coalition is adamant about fighting back against what it sees as excessive political intervention by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court cannot overturn governmental and ministerial decisions by declaring them to be unreasonable, according to the new law.
Since the amendment eliminates one of the few practical restraints on the executive's power in a nation without a formal written constitution, critics claim it was hurriedly passed through parliament and will lead to abuses of power.
Also Read: Following boat tragedies, Pakistanis give up on trying to reach Europe
Even in the military, there is division, with volunteer reservists declaring they will not report for duty and former top brass expressing concern about Israel's war readiness.
According to Moody's Investors Service, Israel's economy and security will likely suffer as a result of the government's judicial drive and the turmoil it has been causing