" Netanyahu's Judicial Coup: Government Passes Bill for Political Takeover of Judicial Appointments" Haaretz. Key Points.

 

The bill is a key part of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial judicial overhaul plan, which has sparked massive protests and deep political divisions in Israel. Here’s a detailed overview of its provisions, implications, and context:

Key Provisions of the Bill

The legislation alters the composition and functioning of the Judicial Appointments Committee, the body responsible for selecting judges in Israel, including Supreme Court justices.  

1. Politicization of Judicial Appointments:  

   - Previously, the nine-member committee included a mix of politicians, judges, and legal professionals, requiring broad consensus for appointments.  

   - The new law changes the balance, giving the governing coalition a de facto majority (7 out of 13 members, after a future expansion) in selecting judges.  

   - The committee will now include:  

     - 3 government ministers (up from 2).  

     - 3 coalition-backed Knesset members (instead of 2, with one traditionally from the opposition).  

     - The Supreme Court president and two other justices (reduced influence).  

     - 2 representatives from the Israel Bar Association (whose role may be weakened in future reforms).  

2. Elimination of Checks and Balances:  

   - The previous system required at least one opposition MK and cooperation between branches of government.  

   - Now, the coalition can push through judicial appointments without opposition or judicial input.  

3. Future Implications for the Supreme Court:  

   - The government could stack the courts with ideologically aligned judges, including the Supreme Court, which has often acted as a check on government power.  

   - Critics warn this could lead to erosion of judicial independence and enable authoritarian policies.  

Why It’s Controversial  

- Power Grab: Opponents argue it undermines democracy by letting politicians control judicial appointments, removing a key check on government power.  

- Part of a Larger Overhaul: This is just one piece of Netanyahu’s broader plan, which includes weakening the Supreme Court’s power to strike down laws (override clause) and reducing judicial review.  

- Protests & Opposition: The reform has triggered months of mass protests, with military reservists, business leaders, and legal experts warning of democratic backsliding.  

- International Concerns: The U.S. and EU have expressed worries about Israel’s democratic stability.  

Netanyahu’s Justification 

- Supporters argue the reforms "restore democracy" by reducing what they see as an overly activist Supreme Court.  

- They claim judges have too much power and are unelected, while the elected government should have more influence.  

What’s Next? 

- The opposition may challenge the law in the Supreme Court, leading to a constitutional crisis if the Court strikes it down and the government refuses to comply.  

- Further reforms are expected, including laws to limit judicial review and weaken the attorney general’s authority.  

This marks a historic shift in Israel’s governance, moving toward greater political control over the judiciary—a move critics compare to Hungary and Poland’s democratic erosion.