Knesset gives politicians greater control over judge selection process

In Israel, on March 27, 2025, the Knesset passed a significant reform bill that allows greater input from elected officials in the judicial selection process. This legislation is part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's broader judicial overhaul campaign. Critics argue that the reform represents an alarming shift in power dynamics, enabling politicians to exert influence over judicial appointments and ultimately undermining judicial independence. Protesters have emerged again, paralleling earlier protests against similar reforms initiated in early 2023, which had led to widespread national unrest. Supporters of the reform view it as a necessary adjustment to enhance democratic governance by ensuring that the judiciary reflects the political landscape of elected representatives. Netanyahu, facing his own legal challenges, described the measure as a means to rein in what he refers to as a “deep state.” Meanwhile, detractors and legal experts worry that such changes threaten the fundamental checks and balances integral to parliamentary democracy in Israel. They point out that unlike in the United States, where a divide exists between the legislature and judiciary, the Knesset’s increasing role in judicial appointments could easily compromise the judiciary’s impartiality. The law passed recently provides the government with a decisive advantage in the Judicial Selection Committee, shifting the balance of power towards political appointees, who will intake a greater number of seats. Critics argue that this redesign could lead to the appointment of more extreme judicial candidates, as political bargaining replaces prior merit-based considerations. The Movement for Quality of Government, along with other civic initiatives, has already initiated petitions against the law, contending that it exploits wartime circumstances to push through a partisan agenda. As Israel continues to grapple with internal political upheaval and external conflict, the situation remains fluid. The Knesset’s passing of this judicial reform highlights deep divisions within Israeli society, as many citizens remain polarized over the direction of their governance, judicial integrity, and the future of democracy in their country. In the face of opposition, Netanyahu’s government seeks to assert its agenda and prolong its influence amidst an ongoing war and shifting political alliances.