Religious Zionism Unveils Next Phase of Judicial Overhaul

The Religious Zionism party has revealed its plan for the next stage of judicial reform, dubbed "Law and Justice 2.0" and titled "Releasing the Blockage." Party leader Bezalel Smotrich and MK Simcha Rothman presented the proposals, which aim to reshape Israel's legal system in the upcoming Knesset term. Smotrich declared, "This time, no one will say they didn't know," framing the upcoming election as a referendum on judicial reform.

The plan includes appointing new legal advisors to the government and a new State Attorney, along with ten new Supreme Court justices. Smotrich specifically attacked Supreme Court President Isaac Amit, calling him "violent" and criticizing the judiciary's perceived overreach in budgetary and executive matters. He argued that legislative changes alone are insufficient if judicial appointments remain unchecked.

Religious Zionism highlighted achievements from the previous term, including the Supreme Court's reduced use of the reasonableness clause after its legislative nullification. They also pointed to changes in judicial appointment methods and the establishment of a supervisor for complaints against judges as successes.

Key legislative proposals include establishing an "override clause" to allow the Knesset to re-pass laws struck down by the Supreme Court, limiting the court's ability to invalidate laws, and restricting the duration of interim court orders. In criminal law, the party seeks to eliminate the state's ability to appeal acquittals, limit investigation durations, and abolish the offense of breach of trust, under which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is indicted.

Rothman described the reform effort as a necessary confrontation with a "deep state" comprising security forces, police, and the Shin Bet chief. The plan also proposes making the Attorney General and ministry legal advisors into political appointments and holding public hearings for Supreme Court nominees. The party also aims to restore government authority over senior civil service appointments, allowing the government and ministers to appoint up to 50% of high-ranking officials.