Israel’s parliament on Thursday passed a key component of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan, sparking criticism from opponents who view it as a power grab by his far-right government.

The controversial reforms had triggered mass protests in 2023 before Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack and the subsequent war in Gaza. The revival of the plans in recent weeks has fueled fresh demonstrations over Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza hostage crisis and his moves to sideline top officials.

The newly passed law grants the government greater influence over judicial appointments. It reallocates two of the nine seats on the Judicial Selection Committee—currently held by the Israeli Bar Association—to lawyers selected by the government and the opposition. These political appointees would gain veto power over Supreme Court and lower court nominations.

Supporters and Critics Divided
Supporters argue that the measure strengthens democracy by increasing the role of elected officials in judicial decisions. Netanyahu, who is on trial for corruption, has long accused unelected officials, law enforcement, and the media of working against him.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the architect of the judicial reforms, called the law a “historic and necessary change” that would make the judicial system more inclusive.

However, critics warn that the overhaul weakens judicial independence and undermines Israel’s system of checks and balances. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the final vote, which passed 67-1, vowing to repeal the law if they return to power.

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“The law’s sole purpose is to make judges answer to politicians,” the opposition said in a statement.

Legal Challenges and Future Implications
Petitions have already been filed against the law in the Supreme Court. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel argued in its petition that the law represents a “dramatic change” in Israel’s parliamentary democracy.

“The government is exploiting a time of war as a smokescreen to push a political agenda,” said Eliad Shraga, the group’s chairman.

Amichai Cohen, a constitutional law expert at the Israel Democracy Institute, warned that the reform could lead to more politically motivated judicial appointments. He noted that in Israel—where the executive and legislative branches often work in tandem—the judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining governmental checks and balances.

Israel’s government had previously paused its judicial overhaul efforts following the outbreak of war in Gaza. In January 2024, the Supreme Court struck down another key proposal that would have limited judicial review of government decisions.

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Momentum for the reforms resurged this month after Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza, strengthening Netanyahu’s far-right coalition. His government’s passage of a key budget this week also bolstered its chances of remaining in power until the next scheduled election in October 2026.

Source: With input from agnecy