Israel’s Supreme Court Overturns Contentious Judicial Reform After Protests
Israel’s Supreme Court has rejected a controversial judicial reform known as the “reasonableness” bill, which sought to curtail the court’s ability to overturn laws it deemed unconstitutional. This decision comes after widespread protests erupted against the legislation, with critics asserting that it posed a severe threat to the country’s democratic foundations.
In July of last year, the Israeli government passed the “reasonableness” bill, removing the Supreme Court and lower courts’ power to nullify government decisions deemed “extremely unreasonable.” The law prompted large-scale protests, with hundreds of thousands taking to the streets, making it the most significant street demonstration in Israel’s history. Protesters not only called for the annulment of the reforms but also demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads what is perceived as the most right-wing government in Israeli history.
The contentious law fueled division and anger across the nation, leading to threats from military reservists, including air force pilots, to refuse reporting for service. This raised concerns about potential impacts on Israel’s military capabilities.
Israel’s Supreme Court, in its recent ruling, emphasised that eight out of fifteen judges opposed the law, stating that it would cause “severe and unprecedented damage to the basic characteristics of the State of Israel as a democratic state.” The court’s decision effectively prevents the implementation of a broader set of judicial reforms introduced by the Netanyahu government. These proposed changes aimed to diminish the Supreme Court’s authority to review or reject laws, allowing a simple majority in the Knesset (parliament) to overrule such decisions.
Yariv Levin, Israel’s justice minister and the architect of the law, criticised the court’s decision, accusing the judges of exercising excessive powers. Levin claimed the ruling undermined democratic principles. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid welcomed the verdict, asserting that the Supreme Court had faithfully fulfilled its role in protecting the citizens of Israel.
The Supreme Court’s decision adds to the challenges faced by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, which is already under scrutiny for perceived failures in preventing attacks and rescuing Israeli hostages in Gaza.
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