Judicial reform in Israel: President Herzog warns of constitutional crisis

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to curtail the powers of the Supreme Court. President Herzog warns of a constitutional crisis because of the plans. In several Israeli cities, tens of thousands protested against the plans – and the government.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog warns of a constitutional crisis in view of the controversial judicial reform plans of Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government. “This conflict, which threatens to tear the nation apart,” worries him deeply, the head of state said. He said he was working to avert a “historic constitutional crisis” through a series of meetings with political officials.

Netanyahu wants to curtail the powers of the Supreme Court. The plans include giving Parliament the power to overturn court decisions by a simple majority. In addition, Parliament should be given control over the appointment of judges.

However, Netanyahu could also help himself with the reform, as critics explained. He may be able to avoid a conviction for corruption or the case against him will be dropped altogether. Since his indictment in 2019, Netanyahu has repeatedly said the justice system is biased against him.

The reform plans drew sharp criticism from the head of Israel’s Supreme Court, who warned of an “unbridled attack on the judicial system”. The Attorney General also spoke out against the plan, as did many of her predecessors.

Biggest protest against new government so far

On Saturday evening, tens of thousands protested against the plans and against the government itself. Demonstrations took place in the cities of Haifa and Jerusalem – but especially in Tel Aviv. About 80,000 people took part there, according to Israeli media reports referring to the police. It was the largest demonstration to date against the new government, which was sworn in at the end of December.

Netanyahu was unimpressed by the protests, as well as by criticism from his own ranks. During a cabinet meeting, he said voters backed his plan in November’s general election.

The reform will correct what needs to be corrected. Individual rights would be fully protected and public confidence in the justice system would be restored. The reform is urgently needed, said Netanyahu.