The Israeli parliament has passed legislation that expands the authority of elected officials to appoint judges, despite years of protests against Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to change the judicial system. This decision has been criticized by opposition parties who claim that it puts judges under the control of politicians. Netanyahu’s government is also facing a conflict with the supreme court as they try to dismiss the attorney general and the head of the internal security agency. Opposition parties have filed a petition with the supreme court in an attempt to challenge the new law.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin defended the bill, stating that it is intended to restore a balance between the legislative and judicial branches in Israel. The current system of selecting judges in Israel involves a nine-member committee made up of judges and lawmakers. The new law, however, would give more political control over the appointments, although the committee would still be comprised of judges, lawmakers, and public representatives.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/27/israel-parliament-bill-appoint-judges