Israel Parliament Passes Law Expanding Political Control Over Judicial Appointments

On Thursday, Israel's Knesset passed a controversial law that enhances the power of elected officials in appointing judges, a significant aspect of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's judicial reform agenda. The law was approved by a vote of 67-1, with opposition members boycotting the vote in protest. Critics warn that this move undermines democracy, likening it to an authoritarian shift, while Justice Minister Yariv Levin argues it restores a balance between the legislative and judicial branches. The new law modifies the Judicial Selection Committee, increasing political influence over judicial appointments. This legislation follows a series of massive protests against Netanyahu's reforms, which many see as a threat to democratic institutions. The law, set to take effect in 2026, has already prompted legal challenges from opposition parties who view it as an attempt to transform Israel into a dictatorship.