Judicial reforms: Israeli doctors begin 24-hour strike

Israeli doctors have began a 24-hour strike over the hard-right government’s ratification of initial judicial changes that critics fear will endanger independence of the courts.

The Israel Medical Association ordered doctors to strike for 24 hours around the nation, though not in Jerusalem, which is the scene of escalating confrontations.

It cited the removal of the Supreme Court’s ability to overrule, on the basis of “unreasonableness,” potential government involvement in decisions by Health Ministry staff.

The government is seeking an injunction compelling doctors to return to work.

A first bill curbing Supreme Court review of some government decisions passed in a stormy Knesset parliament on Monday after a walkout by lawmakers. Some accused long-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of pushing Israel towards autocracy.

With demonstrations convulsing Israel for months, thousands took to the streets and scuffled with police on Monday night.

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“A Black Day for Israeli Democracy,” said an ad on the front of major newspapers placed by a group describing itself as worried hi-tech workers.

The crisis has opened a deep divide in Israeli society and strained ties with its closest ally the United States, which called Monday’s vote “unfortunate”.

Britain urged Israel to maintain the independence of courts, build consensus and preserve robust checks and balances.

Protest leaders said growing numbers of military reservists would no longer report for duty if the government continued with its plans. Former top brass have warned that Israel’s war-readiness could be at risk.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid asked the reservists to hold off their no-show threat pending any Supreme Court ruling on appeals. Both a political watchdog group and the Israel Bar Association have filed challenges.