The Netanyahu coalition implemented legislation on Thursday that increases the power of politicians in selecting judges, part of a divisive effort to revamp the Israeli judiciary that caused unrest in the country prior to the conflict with Hamas.

Israel’s 120-seat Parliament, known as the Knesset, passed two laws following an extended overnight debate in a vote largely avoided by the opposition. The legislation modifies the committee responsible for choosing judges, including those for the Supreme Court, in a manner that critics argue will compromise the judiciary’s impartiality.

The enactment of the law reignites a two-year initiative by Mr. Netanyahu’s coalition to extend its influence over other government branches. Before the Hamas-led attack in October 2023 sparked the war in Gaza, Mr. Netanyahu had pursued comparable legislation amid mass demonstrations. He temporarily halted these efforts to maintain unity during the conflict.

Now, Mr. Netanyahu is reviving the attempt to overhaul the judiciary, alongside efforts to undermine other state oversight mechanisms. His administration is moving to dismiss both the attorney general and the head of the internal intelligence service.

The laws passed on Thursday are less sweeping than the coalition’s initial proposals. Nevertheless, they risk reigniting the turmoil that swept the nation before the war, as Israel and Hamas have resumed fighting in Gaza.

Protesters gathered outside the Knesset in Jerusalem on Wednesday to denounce the legislation, waving Israeli flags. However, in a sign of how the war has diverged the priorities of Mr. Netanyahu’s adversaries, many attended carrying signs urging the government to negotiate a prompt agreement with Hamas to release the hostages in Gaza.

In the Parliament building, Mr. Netanyahu delivered a passionate address arguing that his government’s policies would rectify the actions of an “unelected ‘deep state’,” drawing parallels to the rhetoric of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump.