Key points from the recent legislative changes in Israel:

• Israeli parliament enacts a law expanding political control over judge appointments.
• Law criticized as anti-democratic, sparking protests and legal challenges.
• Netanyahu's government resumes judicial reforms similar to those that incited mass demonstrations in 2023.

On Thursday, the Israeli parliament, known as the Knesset, reckoned with deep societal divides as it passed a contentious law intended to enhance government control over the appointment of judges. This legislation has drawn serious criticism, with opponents labeling it as a blatant "power grab" by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right administration, echoing fears of an erosion of democratic principles.

The vote, which concluded with 67 members in favor and only one opposing, comes on the heels of heightened tensions in the wake of the ongoing war in Gaza. The legislative modifications were initially unveiled in early 2023, provoking widespread protests before being overshadowed by the violent conflict initiated by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.

The new law transforms the structure of the Judicial Selection Committee to comprise more political appointees, effectively allowing government representatives increased sway over judicial appointments, including roles on the Supreme Court. Critics argue that this shift undermines judicial independence, setting a dangerous precedent for future governance. Critics like Eliad Shraga, from the Movement for Quality of Government, have voiced that this change serves as a "nail in the coffin of Israeli democracy".

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who championed the legislation, deemed it essential for "restoring balance" between legislative and judicial powers. This perspective flourished amid criticism that the Supreme Court had taken on undue power over legislative actions, a narrative leveraged by Netanyahu, who maintains that his judicial reforms are necessary for dismantling what he terms a "deep state".

Despite these claims, the law has rejuvenated protests across Israel, with demonstrators converging on the Knesset to decry the changes as anti-democratic. In addition, opposition leaders have already pledged to challenge the legislation's legality in the Supreme Court, arguing for the preservation of judicial integrity in the face of increased political interference Source.

The backlash reflects broader concerns regarding the trajectory of Israeli governance as political forces capitalize on ongoing crises to push contentious reforms. Legal experts warn that the law could usher in a period of governance that marginalizes judicial oversight, thus altering the fundamental balance that exists between legislative powers and the judiciary, which, in a parliamentary system like Israel's, typically serves as a vital check against executive authority.