The Israeli parliament has taken a significant step in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ambitious judicial overhaul, passing a law that critics argue undermines democratic values. On Thursday, the Knesset approved the measure with a vote of 67-53, despite ongoing protests that have persisted throughout the year.

The New Judiciary Law Explained

This newly passed law enhances governmental authority in judicial appointments, transitioning power from an existing selection process. The current system involves a nine-member committee, which includes judges, legislators, and bar association representatives, overseen by the justice minister.

Under the revised framework, this committee retains its nine-member structure but with increased influence from political leaders. The breakdown includes:

• Three Supreme Court judges
• The justice minister and another minister
• One coalition lawmaker
• One opposition lawmaker
• Two public representatives: one appointed by the government majority and the other by the opposition

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the bill’s sponsor, described the reform as a necessary action to restore equilibrium between the legislative and judicial branches, emphasizing criticism of the Supreme Court’s perceived overreach.

Reactions and Protests

The law has ignited outrage among critics who view it as a grave threat to Israeli democracy. Many see the legislation as a fulfillment of Netanyahu’s political strategy, enabling him to influence judicial proceedings, particularly amidst his ongoing corruption trial—allegations he has consistently denied.

Public demonstrations erupted in response to the vote, echoing the sentiments of those who consider this reform a “catastrophe” for the nation’s democratic integrity. Opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed his disapproval on social media, filing an appeal with the Supreme Court against the new legislation:

“Instead of focusing all efforts on their [Israeli captives’] return and healing the divisions within the people, this government is returning to the exact legislation that divided the public before October 7,” Lapid stated.

Current Political Climate

In the week preceding the vote, the Israeli government began dismissals of key officials like Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Ronen Bar, head of the internal security agency Shin Bet, both of whom have been vocal critics of the Prime Minister’s agenda. This shift has raised alarms among many who argue it signals a move towards authoritarian governance.

As concerns about democratic backsliding grow, the overall judicial reform package continues to fuel one of the largest protest movements in Israel’s history, reflecting an increasing divide within society over the direction of the government.