Tue Apr 01 05:30:31 UTC 2025: ## Netanyahu Resurrects Controversial Judicial Overhaul Amidst Gaza Conflict
**JERUSALEM** – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reignited his controversial plan to overhaul the country’s judiciary, pushing through legislation that critics say will significantly weaken the Supreme Court’s independence. This move comes just days after a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and follows a series of actions seen by opponents as power grabs.
The newly passed law alters the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee, shifting the balance of power in favor of politicians and making it easier to appoint judges sympathetic to the government. This change, which takes effect in the next parliamentary term, replaces two independent lawyer representatives with two chosen by both the governing coalition and the opposition. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara condemned the change, arguing it prioritizes political considerations over professional ones, undermining the judiciary’s apolitical nature.
Legal experts, such as University of Haifa law professor Eli Salzberger, have called the move a “coup d’état,” arguing it removes crucial checks and balances on the government’s power. Opposition parties and civil rights organizations have already appealed the legislation to the Supreme Court.
Netanyahu and his allies claim the Supreme Court obstructs the “will of the people,” citing past court decisions that overturned government actions, including a law allowing the expropriation of Palestinian land. They frame the Supreme Court as part of a “leftist deep state” working against them, echoing rhetoric used by former US President Donald Trump.
This latest push is a resumption of a plan initially announced in January 2023, met with mass protests. While some elements of the overhaul, such as the “reasonableness” law, were initially passed, the Supreme Court later declared it unconstitutional. Netanyahu had previously claimed to pause the judicial reforms in March 2023, but the recent actions show a renewed commitment to enacting them.
The timing of the legislation, amidst the aftermath of the Gaza war, has raised concerns. Critics argue Netanyahu used the conflict as cover to push through his agenda. The current US administration’s stance on the issue is markedly less critical than its predecessor’s, removing a significant external pressure point.
While the Supreme Court can delay implementation, Netanyahu’s continued parliamentary support suggests the reforms will ultimately pass unless he suffers a major electoral defeat before the next elections, scheduled for no later than 2026. Public anger over Netanyahu’s actions remains high, and the long-term implications for Israeli democracy are a significant cause for concern.
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