On 24 July, 2023, Israel’s parliament approved a bill for judicial reforms that have been met with widespread protests. The law would limit the Supreme Court’s power to strike down government decisions and has been criticized by those who fear it would undermine the independence of the judiciary.

The protests against judicial reform began in January 2023, shortly after the government announced the proposed amendments. On 11 January, the first protest was held in Tel Aviv, and thousands of people showed up. Since then, demonstrations have taken place every week in Israel’s largest cities. Despite the government’s efforts to suppress them, the protests have persisted. Police detained numerous protest organizers in February.

On 11 March, the media reported that more than 250,000 people took to the streets of Tel Aviv. A coalition of civil society organizations, including labor unions, legal associations, and human rights organizations, coordinated the protest. Police in Tel Aviv fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators.

Why this Ruckus over the issue?

According to protesters, the law would make it easier for the government to violate the rights of its citizens and damage the independence and supremacy of the judiciary. They have demanded that the government abandon its other proposed judicial reforms and that the legislation be repealed. Protesters view this as an attempt to erode the democratic values of governance in the country.

On the other hand, the government has defended the law, arguing that it is necessary to ensure that the judiciary is not used to block the government’s ability to govern. The government has also said that it is open to dialogue with the protesters but will not back down on its commitment to judicial reform.

What is this law about?

The law limits the power of the courts in several ways.
First, it would prevent the Supreme Court from striking down government decisions on the grounds that they are “unreasonable.” Second, it would give the Knesset the power to appoint Supreme Court judges. Third, it would change the way judges are promoted. Finally, it would increase the size of the Supreme Court.

The government has argued that these reforms are necessary to make the judiciary more efficient and accountable. However, critics of the reforms argue that they would undermine the independence of the judiciary and make it easier for the government to infringe on the rights of its citizens. The protests against judicial reform are ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether the government will back down on its proposed reforms. However, the protests have already had a significant impact on Israeli politics, and they are likely to continue to be a major issue in near future.

If you are currently in Israel, avoid all protest sites, as they can quickly turn violent. Plan alternate routes to minimize disruptions. Expect and prepare for localized travel delays and service disruptions. All public and private modes of transport may be impacted. Essential services may also be non-functional. Ensure access to emergency medical services.

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