Israeli lawmakers on Monday successfully passed a significant part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial plan to limit the powers of the country’s justice system, despite widespread protests that revealed deep divisions within Israeli society and accused the government of moving towards authoritarian rule. The vote took place amidst a tumultuous session, with opposition lawmakers chanting “shame” and subsequently leaving the chamber. Following the vote, large-scale demonstrations erupted outside the parliament building in Jerusalem and in central Tel Aviv.
This move highlights Netanyahu’s and his far-right allies’ determination to proceed with the plan, which has strained the social fabric of the country, threatened the unity of its powerful military, and raised concerns from its closest ally, the United States. The plan involves sweeping changes aimed at curbing the powers of the judiciary, including limiting the Supreme Court’s ability to challenge parliamentary decisions and altering the process of selecting judges.
While Netanyahu and his allies argue that these changes enhance democracy by reducing the authority of unelected judges and granting elected officials greater decision-making powers, protesters view the plan as a power grab driven by personal and political motives, particularly given Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial. Netanyahu’s allies, which include ultra-nationalist and ultra-religious parties, have also pursued goals such as expanding West Bank settlements, annexing occupied territories, and limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and Palestinians.
In Israel, where there is no formal constitution, the judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring checks and balances within the country’s governance system. Critics argue that by weakening the judiciary, Netanyahu’s allies are consolidating power and undermining the independence and oversight of judges, resembling the patterns seen in “illiberal” democracies like Poland and Hungary.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed his dismay after the vote, stating, “This is not a victory for the coalition. This is the destruction of Israeli democracy.” In the vote, lawmakers approved a measure preventing judges from invalidating government decisions on the grounds of being “unreasonable.” With the opposition absent, the measure passed with a 64-0 majority.
After the vote, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the architect of the plan, heralded it as the “first step in an important historic process” of reforming the judiciary. However, these actions are likely to fuel more mass protests, with civil society groups planning to challenge the new law in the Supreme Court.
Protesters overwhelmingly condemned the vote, criticizing Netanyahu’s government for attempting to impose its fringe ideology on the population. Mass demonstrations occurred in Jerusalem and central Tel Aviv, with protesters blocking roads, plastering walls and fences with dissenting messages, and encountering water cannons from the police.
The pressure on Netanyahu intensified further as thousands of military reservists declared their refusal to serve under a government that they perceive as steering the country toward dictatorship. This development raises concerns about the military’s preparedness.
The vote came shortly after Netanyahu’s release from the hospital, where he had a pacemaker implanted. Adding to the already dramatic series of events, this sudden hospitalization drew attention in Washington. The Biden administration has frequently criticized Netanyahu’s government and its overhaul plan. President Joe Biden cautioned against rushing legal changes that divide the country and emphasized the need for unity.
This prolonged protest movement has largely avoided discussing Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, as it could alienate supporters. However, critics argue that this oversight constitutes a significant blind spot in the struggle for a liberal democracy. The overhaul has exposed deep divisions in Israeli society, primarily along religious, ethnic, and class lines.
The eve of the vote witnessed massive rallies for and against the plan, with Netanyahu’s supporters converging in central Tel Aviv, while his opponents gathered in Jerusalem. Although Netanyahu’s hospitalization disrupted his schedule, his doctors assured that the procedure went well and the prime minister himself reassured the public that he felt fine.
Netanyahu had previously halted the overhaul in March due to intense pressure from protesters and labor strikes that disrupted flights and the economy. However, after unsuccessful attempts to find a compromise, he decided to push forward with the reforms.
Tia Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel.
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