In a controversial move, the Israeli Knesset approved a law by a landslide majority (67 votes in favor and 1 against) that changes the structure of the committee responsible for appointing judges, following a widespread boycott of the session by opposition parties.
اضافة اعلان
Justice Minister Yariv Levin said during the session: "The Supreme Court has effectively canceled the Knesset's authority through a process that has accelerated over the decades," adding, "I stand here today on your behalf, after decades of your voice being unheard and your vote being crushed in the ballot boxes. We are turning a new page. The days of surrender and silence are over, and they will never return."
Key Changes in the New Law:
Restructuring the Judicial Selection Committee, which has remained unchanged since 1953, by replacing representatives of the Bar Association with "public representatives" appointed by the coalition and opposition.
Reducing the required majority to appoint Supreme Court judges from 7-2 to 5-4.
Requiring the approval of at least one representative from both the coalition and the opposition for any appointment to the Supreme Court.
Adding a mechanism to resolve deadlock in case appointments are stalled for a year.
Mixed Reactions: Levin stated that the law "ends the era of judicial dominance over politics," considering it a correction of a long-standing imbalance. The opposition, however, criticized the law, describing it as "politicizing the judiciary," and expressed its intention to repeal it if they come to power. Legal experts have warned that the amendments "will weaken judicial independence and make it subject to political bargaining."
Background of the Crisis: This vote marks the culmination of an ongoing constitutional crisis that began in 2023 when the proposed judicial reform plan sparked widespread protests, leading to the dismissal of former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after he warned of its national security implications.
Expected Consequences: Observers predict that this law will mark a turning point in the relationship between the branches of government in Israel, with warnings about its negative impact on the judiciary's standing and impartiality, particularly in light of the ongoing political crisis since the October 2023 events.
Source: Jerusalem Post
