Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest the government’s proposed judicial reform bill, which they say threatens democracy. Demonstrators from all over Israel have been rallying near the Knesset in Jerusalem for two consecutive weeks ahead of the first reading of the legislation. Critics argue that it will undermine the country’s system of checks and balances and concentrate power in the hands of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on trial for corruption charges.
The government, which is the most right-wing in Israeli history, is pushing forward with the plan despite the unprecedented demonstrations, warnings from military and business leaders, and calls for restraint from the United States. The bill would give elected representatives more control of the judicial system by giving the government a de facto majority in the process to nominate judges. Currently, jurists are chosen by a panel overseen by the justice minister, which includes judges, lawmakers and lawyers representing the Israeli Bar Association. Under the government proposals, the association’s members would be removed and two “members of the public” would be named by the justice minister’s office instead.
The sweeping judicial reform programme is a cornerstone of Netanyahu’s administration, an alliance of ultra-Orthodox and far-right parties that took office in December. Netanyahu has expressed a willingness to talk to the opposition but promised to press on with the legislation without delay. Lawmakers are set to hold their first vote on Monday on measures to change the composition of the committee to select judges. This vote is just the first of three readings required for parliamentary approval, but it is seen by many critics as an act of bad faith. A bill to prevent judges from ruling against the so-called Basic Laws, Israel’s quasi-constitution, is also on the parliamentary agenda.
The situation has caused one of Israel’s greatest domestic crises, deepening a divide between Israelis over the character of their state and the values they believe should guide it. Opposition chief Yair Lapid said this is “the worst internal crisis the state of Israel has ever known”. US Ambassador Tom Nides has even weighed in on the matter, urging Israel to “pump the brakes” on the legislation and seek a consensus on reforms that would protect Israel’s democratic institutions. His comments drew angry responses from Netanyahu allies who told Nides to stay out of Israel’s internal affairs.
Israel’s Palestinian citizens, who may have the most to lose in the legal overhaul, have largely been absent from the protests, in part due to discrimination they suffer at home and because of Israel’s 55-year military occupation over their brethren in the West Bank. Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank can vote in Israeli elections and are generally protected by Israeli laws while Palestinians in the same territory are subject to military rule and cannot vote.
The protests against the judicial reform bill have highlighted deep divisions within Israeli society over how democracy should be preserved and protected. Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets to express their opposition to a plan that they believe will undermine their democratic rights and freedoms. The US has also voiced its concern over the bill, calling on Israel to take a more measured approach and seek consensus among all parties involved. Meanwhile, Israel’s Palestinian citizens have largely been absent from these protests due to discrimination and their lack of political representation. The outcome of this crisis remains uncertain, but it is clear that it has brought into sharp focus some of Israel’s most pressing issues.