Israel’s governing coalition scored a victory in its judicial overhaul initiative when the Knesset approved legislation giving the government control over the ombudsman of judges on Tuesday morning.

The Ombudsman for Public Complaints against Judges, as it is formally called, investigates complaints about the conduct of judges and judges in the performance of their duties. The Ombudsman has the authority to recommend the filing of complaints against judges, and even recommend their removal in certain cases. Critics say the move violates judicial independence.

The legislation passed its final readings by a vote of 56-48.