The reforms that Netanyahu wants to enact include giving the government final say in choosing judges, limiting the Supreme Court’s ability to review laws approved by the Israeli Knesset and giving the legislature the authority to review or overturn court rulings with a simple majority in parliament. According to Netanyahu, he opposes the judiciary having ‘excessive’ power.
Source: The Wire
According to him, judges lack democracy and accountability because they are not chosen by the general public. He claims that by limiting the judiciary’s authority, he will improve Israel’s democracy.
The Israeli public, however, is aware of Netanyahu’s ulterior goals and his attempt to equate democracy with mobocracy. Israelis and the rest of the world are now aware that Netanyahu’s policies are intended to solidify his hold on power. He is facing a corruption prosecution and wants to alter the judiciary’s structure and authority in a way that will benefit him. In fact, it will be challenging for the courts to declare a serving prime minister to be unfit for office due to a bill that has already passed.
It is rare for there to be opposition to Netanyahu’s plan to weaken the court. Israelis from all walks of life have flocked to the streets in big numbers in addition to opposition groups. It’s interesting that it’s brought Jews and Palestinians together since both groups fear that a weakening of the judiciary’s authority will affect their own rights.
Source: BBC News
Yoav Gallant, the defence minister in Netanyahu’s administration, and other ministers are hostile to his ideas. Netanyahu fired Gallant on Monday. Importantly, elite military troops and military reservists have joined the demonstrations. A security issue has developed out of what was initially a political dilemma. The national security is under immediate and palpable risk, as Gallant forewarned, as a result of Netanyahu’s actions.
The statements made by Netanyahu that his judicial reforms aimed to promote democracy are false. Democracy is based on the separation of powers, checks and balances between the administration, legislature, and judiciary, as well as the ability of judicial review. Authorities who want to influence the makeup of courts in order to tighten their hold on power in Israel and other countries, including India, must take note of what is happening there. Individuals will object if they see their schemes are false. Netanyahu has postponed his objectives but not completely abandoned them. He has to carry it out so.
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