Israel approves Netanyahu-backed law expanding government control over judiciary | World News

Israel’s parliament passed a key component of Prime Miner Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul on Thursday, a move that grants the government greater influence over the appointment of judges. Critics argue, as per The Associated Press (AP), that this could weaken judicial independence and erode the country’s democratic checks and balances.
The legislation, approved in a 67-1 vote, alters the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee, giving the government and opposition the power to appoint two members each—seats that were previously held the Israeli Bar Association. With political appointees now holding a majority of six out of nine seats, the government gains the ability to veto judicial nominations, including those to the Supreme Court.
‘Horic and necessary change’
Supporters of the law, including Netanyahu’s coalition, argue that it enhances democratic representation giving elected officials more say in judicial appointments. Justice Miner Yariv Levin, a key architect of the judicial overhaul, described the law as a “horic and necessary change” that would make the judicial system more accessible to a broader range of perspectives.
Story continues below this ad

However, opposition leaders and legal experts warn that the move could undermine the judiciary’s ability to act as an independent check on government power.

Amichai Cohen, a constitutional law professor at the Israel Democracy Institute, cautioned that the new mechanism for appointing judges could lead to increased political influence over the courts. “This has the potential to completely undermine the independence, the impartiality, the professionalism of the system,” he said, as per AP.
Petitions against the law have already been filed with Israel’s Supreme Court.
The Movement for Quality Government, a watchdog organization, argued in its petition that the law fundamentally alters Israel’s democratic structure.Story continues below this ad
How the judicial overhaul revived
Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul initially sparked mass protests in 2023 but was put on hold following Hamas’ October 7 attack and the subsequent war in Gaza. The proposal regained momentum in recent weeks as Netanyahu’s government, which relies on far-right coalition partners, consolidated power after passing a crucial budget.
The timing of the legislation’s revival has added to growing public discontent over Netanyahu’s handling of the ongoing war and the Gaza hostage crisis.
The opposition has vowed to repeal the law if it regains power, with leaders stating that it was passed solely to “ensure that judges become subject to the will of politicians.” However, with elections not scheduled until 2026, the impact of the new law on Israel’s judiciary could be far-reaching.
(With inputs from AP)
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd

Expand