Netanyahu's Government Fails on Separation of Powers, Israeli Think Tank Reports
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's sixth term in office has been marked by a significant erosion of the separation of powers, particularly concerning the legislative branch's ability to oversee the executive, according to an analysis by the "Ministerometer" project. The report details a pattern of actions by the government and coalition leadership aimed at weakening parliamentary oversight mechanisms when they conflicted with the government's political objectives.
One key example cited is the establishment of a special "Communications Committee" to advance a communications law, bypassing the Knesset's Economy Committee, which was deemed the appropriate body. This occurred despite objections from the Knesset's legal advisor and David Biton, the Likud chairman of the Economy Committee, who warned against creating a committee "convenient" for the Communications Minister. The special committee, headed by Galit Distel Atbaryan, was formed to circumvent potential legislative hurdles.
Another instance involved the creation of a special committee to advance "Der'i Law 2," intended to shield ministers from judicial review after the Supreme Court disqualified Aryeh Der'i from holding office. This legislation was removed from its natural path in the Constitution Committee and given a separate parliamentary track to address a personal coalition need.
The report also highlights issues surrounding the election of the State Comptroller. In a June 2026 vote, allegations of coalition members being forced to document their ballots led to a halt and a revote. The Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, allowed members to photograph their ballots, a move that undermined the secrecy of the vote and was later deemed a significant flaw by the Supreme Court, which ordered a new election. As of August 2026, the position remained unfilled.
Furthermore, the analysis points to the approval of coalition fund transfers after the Knesset's dispersal, circumventing agreed-upon procedures. The Finance Committee convened during an election recess, with the Knesset Speaker enabling the session despite opposition claims that it violated procedural rules. This led to a Supreme Court interim order freezing 409 million shekels pending further explanation.
Finally, the report criticizes Speaker Ohana's actions, which it suggests served Prime Minister Netanyahu's personal interests, including attempts to influence the timing of his criminal trial. Ohana's boycott of Supreme Court President Isaac Amit, including not inviting him to a state event attended by Likud activists, is also presented as evidence of the blurring lines between state duties and political allegiance. The cumulative effect, the report concludes, is a weakening of checks and balances, leading to a failing grade for Netanyahu on the separation of powers parameter.
