Benjamin Netanyahu on Judicial Reform

Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has championed sweeping judicial reforms intended to significantly reduce the authority of the Supreme Court and increase political influence over the judiciary. Proponents, including the Justice Minister, argue these measures are necessary to 'restore balance' because the court is perceived to have overstepped its bounds by frequently invalidating legislation using subjective standards like 'reasonableness'. The core of the proposed changes involved limiting the court's review power, allowing the Knesset to override decisions with a simple majority, and granting the governing coalition greater control in appointing judges.

Despite facing massive national protests and significant international concern over democratic erosion, the Prime Minister has consistently vowed that reforms would pass in some form, even after announcing a temporary 'pause' in consideration following widespread domestic backlash. While he has been described as a populist whose actions prioritize self-preservation, his commitment to curtailing judicial independence remains a central plank of his government's agenda, which has also seen the passage of specific laws like one expanding control over judge appointments.