In brief
The latest move by Israel's Prime Minister to control judiciary could reignite tensions and protests, while the nation grapples with the ongoing war.
In a contentious move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition passed legislation on Thursday that allows politicians more influence over the selection of judges, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing debate over Israel's judicial system since the breakout of war in Gaza. The legislation, approved by Israel's 120-seat Knesset after an overnight debate largely boycotted by the opposition, alters the judiciary committee responsible for choosing judges, including justices for the Supreme Court. Critics warn that these changes risk politicizing an essential branch of government, and represent a continuation of Netanyahu's two-year initiative to tighten his coalition's grasp on various state institutions.This development comes on the heels of the Hamas-led attack in October 2023, which led to escalated conflict, prompting Netanyahu to halt similar legislation during wartime to maintain national unity. However, with the war ongoing, he is reviving efforts not only to overhaul the judiciary but also targeting the removal of key state watchdogs, including the attorney general and the head of the domestic intelligence service. While the new laws are less significant than earlier proposals, they could reignite public unrest akin to what was seen prior to the conflict. Protests erupted outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Wednesday, with demonstrators rallying under Israeli flags against the legislation, though many were also calling for an immediate resolution with Hamas to secure the safe return of hostages in Gaza. Inside Parliament, Netanyahu delivered a passionate speech arguing that his agenda represents a necessary correction against an unelected "deep state," mirroring rhetoric previously used by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
