JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s parliament on Thursday passed a key part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judiciary…
Israel’s parliament on Thursday passed a key part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to overhaul the judiciary, angering critics who view it as a power grab by his far-right government.
The planned overhaul sparked mass demonstrations in 2023, leaving the country deeply divided before Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that year which triggered the war in the Gaza Strip. The revival of the plans in recent weeks has added fuel to protests over Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza hostage crisis and his recent moves to fire or sideline top officials.
The law passed Thursday gives the government a larger role in appointing judges.
It would give another two of the nine seats on the Judicial Selection Committee to lawyers chosen by the government and the opposition. Those seats are currently held by the Israeli Bar Association. The political appointees would have the power to veto nominations to the Supreme Court and lower courts.
Supporters of the measure say it gives more power to elected officials. Netanyahu, who is on trial over corruption allegations, has long portrayed himself as the victim of a “deep state” made up of unelected officials, as well law enforcement and hostile media.
Critics say the changes would undermine an independent body that provides essential checks and balances. The law wouldn’t take effect until the next Knesset, and the opposition has vowed to repeal it if it regains power.
Debate ran through the night before the bill was passed early Thursday.
