Many MEPs voiced their concerns, during a plenary debate on Tuesday 14 March, about the proposed reform of the judicial system.
This draft introduces an override clause allowing the Knesset to overturn certain decisions of the Supreme Court by a simple majority. Thousands of Israelis have been demonstrating for weeks against this reform, denounced by their president as well. The Hebrew state is also considering reintroducing the use of the death penalty.
Evin Incir (S&D, Swedish) said that “Israeli democracy is at stake”.
“The EU must be on the side of those who defend democracy with a system of checks and balances and say that, if the reform goes ahead, there will be consequences for EU/Israel relations”, added Jordi Solé (Greens/EFA, Spanish).
“Do not close your eyes to the most massive mobilisation in the history of Israel, do not lose your greatest allies by remaining deaf to their call for reason, do not betray the founding principles of the State of Israel”, advocated Ilana Cicurel (Renew Europe, French), claiming that there was still time to abandon this “dangerous project”, for Israeli democracy.
Michael Gahler (EPP, German) said that “the hate speech and extremist positions of some members of the Israeli administration do not help”.
In addition to threats to Israeli democracy, MEPs expressed concern about continued settlement activity and the current level of violence (see EUROPE 13140/6).
During the debate, the High Representative of the Union, Josep Borrell, said that the EU should do its utmost to contribute to a peaceful settlement and that it should continue to work to ensure freedom for Palestinians and security for Israelis. “We must try to resolve the conflict, it is a priority for all of us”, he promised.
According to Mr Borrell, the Israeli Foreign Minister criticised the debate. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)