Netanyahu’s Judicial Overhaul Resurfaces As Israel's Legislature Passes Controversial Judge Appointment Law

Israel’s parliament passed a key component of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul plan on Thursday (27 March), reigniting political tensions in a country already grappling with the ongoing war in Gaza, reported The Hindu.

The move, widely criticised as a power grab by Netanyahu’s far-right coalition, grants the government a greater role in appointing judges, a change that critics argue could weaken the judiciary’s independence.

The judicial overhaul was first proposed in 2023, sparking some of the largest mass protests in Israel’s history. 

However, public dissent took a backseat after Hamas's 7 October attack, which led to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

In recent weeks, as Netanyahu has faced mounting criticism over his handling of the Gaza hostage crisis and reshuffling of key officials, the revival of the plan has only deepened domestic unrest.

Under the new law, the Judicial Selection Committee—the body responsible for appointing judges—will see its composition altered. 

Two of its nine seats, previously held by the Israeli Bar Association, will now be occupied by lawyers selected by the government and the opposition.

These political appointees will gain veto power over judicial appointments, significantly shifting influence over the Supreme Court and lower courts toward the ruling coalition.

The bill passed by a vote of 67-1, with most of the opposition boycotting the session.

Opposition leaders immediately vowed to repeal the measure, stating that it was designed “to ensure that judges become subject to the will of politicians.” 

Legal experts have also raised concerns, warning that the new system could lead to more extreme candidates being appointed and weaken the judiciary’s role as an independent check on government power. 

Amichai Cohen, a constitutional law professor at the Israel Democracy Institute, predicted that the overhaul could allow Netanyahu’s allies to appoint justices who support the far-right government’s policies.

The broader judicial overhaul was put on hold after the war in Gaza erupted, and in January 2024, Israel’s Supreme Court struck down another key element of the plan that would have limited judges' ability to overturn government decisions. 

However, as Netanyahu’s coalition has solidified in recent months—especially after Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza—the judicial reform effort has regained momentum. 

The passage of this week’s budget further strengthened Netanyahu’s grip on power, increasing the likelihood that his government will survive until the next scheduled election in October 2026.

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