Israeli Government Expands Political Control Over Judiciary Amid Ongoing Conflict

A new legislative push by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to consolidate political power over judicial appointments amidst ongoing tensions with Hamas.

In a significant move, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition enacted laws on Thursday that bolster political influence in the selection of judges. This legislative action comes as part of a larger, contentious initiative to overhaul the Israeli judiciary, rekindling disputes that previously rocked the nation prior to the Gaza conflict. The Knesset, Israel's 120-seat Parliament, completed an overnight debate resulting in two laws being passed, despite a largely boycotted opposing faction.

The new laws transform the committee responsible for selecting judges, including those for the Supreme Court, igniting concerns that this shift will lead to increased politicization of the judiciary. This legislative effort marks a revival of Netanyahu's agenda to enhance governmental power, a pursuit that had been stalled due to mass public protests that erupted before the Hamas-led assault in October 2023, which subsequently escalated the war in Gaza.

Netanyahu's renewed focus on this judicial overhaul coincides with attempts to undermine other governmental authorities, particularly efforts to dismiss the attorney general and the head of the domestic intelligence service, Shin Bet. Although the recently passed laws are seen as less radical than earlier proposals, they nonetheless threaten to provoke backlash reminiscent of the unrest witnessed prior to the outbreak of hostilities.

Protesters gathered outside the Knesset on Wednesday, brandishing Israeli flags and voicing opposition to the legislation. However, the ongoing conflict has complicated their demands, with many advocating for immediate negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of hostages. During a passionate address from within the Knesset, Netanyahu defended his administration's policies, framing them as necessary corrections against an unelected "deep state," a narrative that echoes sentiments expressed by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump.