Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised concerns by refusing to commit to abiding by a potential Supreme Court ruling that could strike down his controversial judicial reform law. The looming showdown between the government and the judiciary has left Israelis in a state of anxiety.
In an interview with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, Netanyahu expressed apprehension about the consequences of the Supreme Court overturning the law, which aims to strip the court of its power to block government actions. He drew parallels with the United States Supreme Court declaring a constitutional amendment unconstitutional and hoped to avoid venturing into “uncharted territory.”
The contentious “reasonableness” law is an amendment to one of Israel’s Basic Laws, which serves as a substitute for a formal constitution. Despite six months of protests and rare criticism from the White House, the law passed the Knesset, marking the initial stage of a broader package of measures that critics argue will undermine Israel’s democracy by weakening the judiciary’s capacity to check politicians.
Notably, US President Joe Biden expressed strong reservations about the judicial overhaul, viewing it as a potential threat to democratic institutions and US-Israel relations.
Netanyahu stressed that despite concerns over the bill’s passing, the US-Israel relationship remains robust, given their shared goals of countering Iran and promoting peace. He also pointed to the ongoing debate in the United States about the powers of its own Supreme Court and whether it should be curtailed.
However, the leader of Israel’s opposition National Unity party, Benny Gantz, warned that if Netanyahu ignores an adverse ruling from the Supreme Court, it would amount to a coup. Gantz emphasized the importance of democratic principles, urging the prime minister to respect and adhere to court rulings, regardless of personal disagreements.
The contentious new law strips the Supreme Court of its ability to reject certain government decisions based on the “reasonableness” standard. Netanyahu and his supporters argue that the court’s authority has grown disproportionately and that their reforms seek to restore balance among the judiciary, lawmakers, and the government.
Acknowledging the significant debate surrounding the bill and the concerns it has raised, Netanyahu recognized that many fear a potential erosion of democracy. Nevertheless, he affirmed his commitment to Israel remaining a democratic nation, highlighting the presence of checks and balances.
Opponents argue that the Supreme Court serves as the only check on the government’s power and the Knesset, and they caution that the reforms could grant Netanyahu and his government excessive authority, potentially eroding Israeli democracy.
Critics have also accused Netanyahu of pushing for these changes to shield himself from an ongoing corruption trial where he faces charges of fraud, bribery, and breach of trust – charges he has consistently denied.
Meanwhile, thousands of Israeli army reservists are threatening not to show up for work in protest of the new legislation. However, Netanyahu seemed untroubled by the threat, asserting that the debate and opposition were legitimate aspects of democracy.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches closely, questioning the potential impact of Netanyahu’s stance on Israel’s democracy and the stability of its institutions. The fate of the controversial law and its implications for the country’s political landscape remains uncertain. Israelis are left grappling with the uncertainties and implications of their government’s actions, hoping that the balance between democracy and governance will be preserved.