Adv. Daphne Benvenisty

Nadav Dagan (PhD), Senior Researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute and Research Fellow at the Minerva Center (University of Haifa), together with Daphne Benvenisty, a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, join the Minerva Center for the Rule of Law under Extreme Conditions at the University of Haifa, for a seminar where they present findings from their comparative study on Autocratization and States of Emergency. Their study presents a show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

A bill seeking to expand the powers of religious courts and to allow them to arbitrate in civil disputes passed into law. What does the law say, what are the implications for fundamental rights, and is it possible to ensure that arbitration is entered into voluntarily by all parties?

What can we learn from South Korea, India, Hungary, Venezuela, and Turkey? Findings from a comparative study show a clear link between the use of 'states of emergency' and accelerated erosion or dismantling of democracy, and autocratic consolidation.

Knesset Summer Session: April 2025 to July 24, 2025

The Israeli Minister of Justice ordered the locks changed at the Tel Aviv office shared by the Attorney General, an action that blatantly violates the Supreme Court’s interim order prohibiting the dismissal of the Attorney General and any changes to the working arrangements between the government and the Attorney General.

Recently, Israel has faced a number of situations that could lead to a constitutional crisis. What is a constitutional crisis and why is it dangerous for the stability of democracy? IDI experts explain.

In recent days the Attorney General has issued several warnings that decisions are being made using "flawed work processes." This explainer provides an overview of the role and importance of the Attorney General in Israeli democracy, and the current criticism directed by the AG at the government.

IDI experts outline the initiatives and measures undertaken by the government that, taken together, constitute a concentrated effort undermine Israel's democratic institutions. At the core of these efforts is a dramatic attempt to weaken the status of the Attorney General; increased politicization of the police; continued undermining of the independence of the judiciary and more.

Judicial overhaul initiatives, along with other anti-democratic measures, have continued to be promoted by the government and the coalition in the Knesset. This document outlines the various actions taken in government that weaken the Israeli judiciary and democracy at large.

Transforming legal advisors into political appointees will thwart the dual purpose of their role- helping the ministry implement its policy, while maintaining the rule of law.

The bill to amend the Police Ordinance has been compared to practices in other countries - however it ignores the fact that other countries have in place procedures that guarantee the operational independence of the police when it implements the policies laid down to guide its actions