Religious Zionism Party Unveils Judicial Overhaul Plan for Next Term

The Religious Zionism party, led by Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has launched a comprehensive plan aimed at reforming Israel's judicial system and redefining the relationship between the Knesset, government, and judiciary. The party states that implementing this plan will be a prerequisite for joining any future coalition government.

The plan, spearheaded by MK Simcha Rothman, chairman of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, includes several key proposals. Among them are the completion of the split role of the Attorney General, the regulation of judicial review and an override clause, changes to the appointment and management mechanisms of the Supreme Court, and strengthening the powers of the government and Knesset. It also proposes reforms in the criminal justice system.

Specifically, the plan suggests separating the Attorney General's role into a government-appointed legal advisor and an independent prosecutor responsible for criminal proceedings. Legal advisors in government ministries would become positions of trust appointed by ministers. For the Supreme Court, proposals include public hearings for candidates, secret elections for the court's president and deputy by all Israeli judges, and random computer-generated assignment of judges to cases. The party notes that ten Supreme Court justices are expected to be appointed in the next Knesset term.

Further provisions address constitutional review, including the reintroduction of limitations on standing in petitions to the High Court of Justice and establishing clear procedural rules for the court. Regarding governance, the plan calls for abolishing appointment committees, expanding the government and ministers' authority in appointing senior officials, and opening senior prosecution appointments to external tenders. In terms of individual rights, it proposes limiting investigation and indictment durations, removing the state's ability to appeal acquittals in criminal cases, and abolishing the offense of breach of trust.

Minister Smotrich stated, "We are at a fateful crossroads for the State of Israel. In the next term, ten Supreme Court justices, an Attorney General, and a State Prosecutor will be appointed, along with a series of other key positions. These appointments will shape the State of Israel for years to come. Therefore, we will demand upon the establishment of the next government the implementation of the plan that will change the rules of the game: the government will be able to govern, the Knesset will be able to legislate, and the judicial system will operate only within its authorities."

MK Rothman added, "This is a foundational plan to return Israeli democracy to its course. The citizens of Israel have proven time and again that they want governance, security, and true rule of law. This will not happen if all decisions are made by a deep state of officials and judges whom no one elected and no one will elect. Only our plan will ensure the return of sovereignty to the people and fix the judicial system so that the citizens of Israel receive justice."