With conflict escalating in Gaza and unrest gripping the streets of Jerusalem, the Israeli government is on the verge of passing a crucial component of a plan that previously sparked widespread controversy in Israel: the judicial overhaul.
The protests against the overhaul, which had captured the attention of Israelis before October 7, 2023, have reignited. Thousands gathered in Jerusalem as Israel’s parliament geared up to approve a law that enhances politicians’ control over judicial appointments.
This contentious debate harks back to a tumultuous period in 2023 when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conservative government was focused on reducing the power and independence of the country’s Supreme Court through legislative measures.
The initial phase of the overhaul plan was enacted in July 2023, triggering mass protests and civil disobedience across Israel. Critics argued that it would severely undermine the country’s democratic principles, while supporters believed it would rein in an overly activist court that often disregarded the will of Israeli voters.
Following a period of relative calm during a conflict with Hamas, the Supreme Court nullified the July law in January 2024. Now, in January 2025, the judicial overhaul has resurfaced. The new proposal, co-authored by Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, aims to alter the composition of the judges’ selection committee, granting more authority to lawmakers and diminishing the influence of incumbent judges.
Critics argue that this move politicizes a process that was previously driven by expertise and professionalism, weakening the judiciary in a system where the boundaries between the executive and legislative branches are blurred. Proponents claim that it corrects a system where judges had significant influence in choosing their successors.
As protests continue to fill the streets of Israel amidst ongoing conflict and domestic turmoil, Netanyahu’s government appears poised to push through the legislation. The vote follows the recent approval of a budget, ensuring the coalition’s survival until the end of its term next year.
Despite opposition lawmakers joining the protests and pledging to boycott the vote, the government seems determined to proceed with the judicial overhaul. Critics question the timing of such a move, especially during a period marked by war and internal strife.
The escalating tensions have led some leaders to warn of the potential for civil conflict, emphasizing the need for unity during such challenging times.