With the current government in its final days, perhaps only weeks from witnessing the filing of a criminal indictment against the prime minister, the cabinet nevertheless sees no problem in continuing to address major issues, matters carrying long-term ramifications in a number of spheres in Israeli society.

The consensus appears to be that the cabinet should address day-to-day events, but it no longer enjoys a mandate from the electorate to address peace agreements with Israel�s neighbors, or other major issues such as an expulsion/compensation plan, or changes in the law regarding matters pertaining to the Supreme Court.

Nevertheless, the cabinet on Sunday will address a proposal from Justice Minister Daniel Friedman which seeks to limit the authority of the Supreme Court. This most controversial issue will undoubtedly arouse much commentary among lawmakers, with Freidman�s proposal seeking to strip the nation�s highest court of the ability to override Knesset Law, with the exception of matters ruled to be in violation of one�s basic rights as per the nation�s Basic Law.

Friedman�s amendment also permits the Knesset in a simple majority of 61 to override the High Court should it decide to nullify Knesset legislation. Labor Party officials have signaled they plan to oppose the minister�s bill, explaining they view it as a move to interfere with the nation�s judicial system, especially the high court.

Labor Minister Ophir Pines and Shalom Simchon turned to Cabinet Secretary Oveid Yechezkel to remove Friedman�s bill from the cabinet�s agenda.

Friedman�s bill is being labeled the Supreme Court Bypass Law.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)