Israeli Parliament Passes Law Increasing Government Control Over Judicial Appointments

Jerusalem The Israeli Knesset, or parliament, has passed a controversial law altering the process of judicial appointments. The legislation grants the government a greater say in selecting judges, a move proponents claim will bring greater balance to the court system. Opponents, however, view the change as a significant threat to the judiciary's independence and a potential erosion of democratic principles.

The law modifies the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee, giving government representatives a majority. Previously, the committee included judges, lawyers, and government officials, creating a more balanced representation. Critics argue that the new composition will allow the ruling coalition to appoint judges who are more aligned with their political ideology.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has defended the changes as necessary to address what they perceive as judicial overreach. They argue that the courts have become too powerful and that the reform is needed to restore the balance of power between the branches of government. The passage of this law marks a significant victory for Netanyahu's coalition, which has long sought to reshape the judicial system.

The move has sparked widespread protests and condemnation from opposition parties, legal scholars, and civil society groups. They fear that the law will politicize the judiciary and undermine its ability to serve as a check on government power. The debate over judicial reform has deeply divided Israeli society, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country.