Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s parliamentary coalition has taken a significant step towards passing a controversial bill aimed at limiting the Supreme Court’s oversight powers. The legislation, part of a broader judicial overhaul plan put forth by Netanyahu’s ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox allies, has become a polarizing issue in Israel, sparking months of sustained protests and concerns about the country’s democratic principles. Demonstrations are expected to intensify in response to the coalition’s initial approval of the bill.
The proposed bill, which received the first of three readings, seeks to curtail the high court’s ability to scrutinize the “reasonability” of decisions made by elected officials. Critics argue that this move would grant the government unchecked authority, potentially leading to arbitrary decisions, improper appointments, and corruption. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court employed the “reasonability” standard to reject the appointment of a Netanyahu ally as interior minister due to past convictions. Removing this standard could undermine the court’s ability to uphold integrity in governance.
The parliamentary session stretched past midnight as lawmakers voted on the bill, resulting in a 64-56 majority in favor. Opposition members expressed their disapproval with shouts of “shame,” while Netanyahu’s coalition celebrated the outcome. Despite this initial approval, the bill must still pass two more readings before becoming law. Anti-overhaul activists are calling for nationwide mass demonstrations, including potential disruptions at Israel’s main international airport, to voice their opposition.
Netanyahu’s allies have proposed a series of changes to the Israeli legal system, aiming to reduce the perceived excessive powers of unelected judges. These changes include granting more control over judge appointments to Netanyahu’s allies and enabling parliament to overturn court decisions. Initially put on hold after widespread protests earlier this year, Netanyahu revived the plan following failed negotiations with the political opposition.
Critics argue that these measures could disrupt the delicate system of checks and balances, concentrating power in the hands of Netanyahu and his allies. Concerns are further amplified by Netanyahu’s ongoing trial on corruption charges, with accusations of a conflict of interest. Various segments of Israeli society, including reserve military officers, business leaders, and LGBTQ+ and other minority groups, have joined the protests, reflecting the broad range of opposition to the proposed changes.
In the face of growing polarization and widespread demonstrations, Israel’s future legal landscape hangs in the balance. As the Netanyahu government, characterized as the most hardline ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox administration in the country’s history, pushes forward with its judicial overhaul plan, the trajectory of Israel’s democracy remains uncertain.