The Judicial Overhaul

Israel's Minister of Justice introduced a legislative package aimed at overhauling the judicial system.

This overhaul weakens the judiciary’s capacity to oversee the executive and legislative branches and concentrates power in the hands of the coalition.

Supporters of the changes justify them as necessary to rein in an unaccountable judiciary, while opponents fear that removal of the only effective check on executive power in Israel will jeopardize civil liberties, economic prosperity, and Israel’s international standing.

On July 24th, the coalition passed a legislative amendment that prevents the Supreme Court from annulling (or striking down) decisions of the government, individual ministers, and other elected officials (such as mayors) it finds to be "extremely unreasonable." This constitutionality of this amendment will come before the court on September 12th.