Israel’s parliament on Thursday passed a significant part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul, which increases the government’s influence over the selection of judges.
Critics, according to The Associated Press, warn that this move could undermine judicial independence and weaken the country's democratic system of checks and balances.
The legislation, which was approved by a vote of 67-1, changes the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee. It allows both the government and the opposition to appoint two members each, replacing the Israeli Bar Association's previous seats.
With political appointees now holding a majority of six out of nine seats, the government gains the power to veto judicial nominations, including those for the Supreme Court.
Historic and necessary change
Supporters of the law, including Netanyahu’s coalition, argue that it strengthens democratic representation by giving elected officials a larger role in judicial appointments.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a central figure behind the judicial overhaul, referred to the law as a "historic and necessary change" that would make the judicial system more inclusive by allowing for a broader range of perspectives.
However, opposition leaders and legal experts express concern that this reform could diminish the judiciary's capacity to serve as an independent check on governmental power.
Amichai Cohen, a constitutional law professor at the Israel Democracy Institute, warned that the new system for appointing judges could lead to greater political influence over the courts, potentially undermining their independence, impartiality, and professionalism. Petitions challenging the law have already been submitted to Israel’s Supreme Court.
In its petition, the Movement for Quality Government, a watchdog group, argued that the law fundamentally changes Israel’s democratic framework.
How the judicial overhaul revived
Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul, which initially sparked widespread protests in 2023, was paused following the Hamas attack on October 7 and the ensuing war in Gaza. However, the proposal gained traction again in recent weeks as Netanyahu’s government, bolstered by far-right coalition partners, solidified its power after passing an important budget.
According to the Indian Express, the revival of the legislation has fueled public dissatisfaction, particularly regarding Netanyahu's handling of the ongoing war and the Gaza hostage crisis.
The opposition has pledged to reverse the law if it returns to power, claiming that it was passed with the sole purpose of making judges more susceptible to political influence.
While elections are not set until 2026, the new law’s potential long-term effects on Israel’s judiciary remain significant.