As tensions between Netanyahu’s government and Israel’s judiciary simmered, even before the ongoing war in Gaza, the scales now seem to tip decisively in the government’s favor. In a move that has provoked both outrage and concern, Israel’s parliament passed a law expanding the authority of elected officials to appoint judges—a step long pursued by Netanyahu despite years of vocal opposition to his proposed judicial reforms.
Opposition parties argue that the law will further entrench political influence over the judiciary, undermining its independence. The law’s passage comes at a particularly fraught moment, as Netanyahu’s government remains locked in a contentious standoff with the Supreme Court, which has blocked his attempts to dismiss key figures, including Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Ronen Bar, the head of the internal security agency.
Law to “Restore Balance”
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who sponsored the bill, stated that the measure aims to restore balance between the legislative and judicial branches. Currently, judges in Israel, including Supreme Court justices, are selected by a nine-member committee consisting of judges and lawmakers, operating under the justice minister’s supervision.
The new law, set to take effect at the start of the next legislative term, would increase political influence over judicial appointments. While the committee would still have nine members, its composition would change: three Supreme Court judges, the justice minister and another minister, one coalition lawmaker, one opposition lawmaker, and two public representatives—one appointed by the majority and the other by the opposition.
Opposition parties, which have filed a petition with the Supreme Court challenging the vote, issued a joint statement condemning the legislation. They argued that the government is undermining the foundations of democracy and vowed to stand united against any attempt to turn Israel into a dictatorship.
A Climax of a Long Fight
In his closing remarks before the vote, Levin criticized the Supreme Court, accusing it of undermining the Knesset’s authority. He argued that the court had assumed the power to overturn both regular and fundamental laws, calling this an unprecedented move in any democracy. His comments underscored the ongoing conflict between the government and the judiciary. Netanyahu has made several attempts to curb the judiciary’s influence, and the current push for new laws is aimed at further solidifying his position.
In 2023, Netanyahu’s proposed changes to the judiciary sparked one of the largest protest movements in Israel’s history. The passage of this new bill comes at a critical juncture. The Supreme Court has blocked Netanyahu’s attempts to dismiss Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet intelligence agency, who has been investigating Netanyahu’s associates for alleged national security violations, including leaking classified information to foreign media and accepting money from Qatar, which has provided significant financial aid to Hamas. Additionally, Netanyahu is seeking to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who ruled that he could not dismiss Bar until her office had reviewed the justification for such a move.
Netanyahu Wants More Power?
Removing Ronen Bar, the head of the intelligence agency, may be viewed as a routine action by the government, particularly after his failure to prevent the Hamas terrorist attack. However, the move against the Attorney General has sparked growing concern. Critics argue that Netanyahu is positioning himself as a totalitarian leader, intent on silencing any opposition to his rule. In a historic decision on Sunday, Netanyahu’s cabinet passed a no-confidence motion against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, marking the latest in a series of efforts to oust officials deemed hostile to his government. As Netanyahu believes the Supreme Court is obstructing his actions, this may signal further moves against the judiciary.
Following the announcement of the new bill, protests erupted once again in major cities. On Wednesday, thousands took to the streets to oppose the bill before it was passed in parliament. Yet, these demonstrations have become almost routine, with Netanyahu seemingly undeterred by the growing opposition.