Religious Zionism Party Unveils Judicial Overhaul Plan

The Religious Zionism party, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has launched a comprehensive plan to reform Israel's judicial system, making its implementation a prerequisite for joining a future coalition government. The proposal, spearheaded by Constitution Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman, aims to redefine the relationship between the Knesset, government, and judiciary, emphasizing an independent and professional legal system while empowering elected officials.

The plan seeks to complete the split of the Attorney General's role into a government-appointed legal advisor and an independent prosecutor general, with legal advisors in ministries becoming positions of trust for ministers. It also proposes changes to the Supreme Court, including public hearings for nominees, a secret vote by all Israeli judges to select the president and vice president, and a computerized random system for assigning judges to cases. The party highlights that ten Supreme Court justices are expected to be appointed in the coming term, significantly shaping the court's future.

Further provisions include regulating constitutional review and the "override clause," limiting standing in the High Court of Justice, and establishing clear procedural rules for the court. The plan also addresses government authority by proposing the abolition of appointment committees, expanding the government and ministers' power in appointing senior officials, and opening senior prosecution appointments to external tenders.

Regarding individual rights in criminal proceedings, the plan suggests limiting investigation and indictment durations, removing the state's ability to appeal acquittals, and abolishing the offense of breach of trust. It also calls for expanding the broadcasting and recording of court proceedings and strengthening oversight mechanisms for the judiciary and prosecution.

To bolster the Knesset, the plan proposes lowering the electoral threshold, expanding surplus vote agreements, introducing a semi-open ballot to allow voters to influence candidate rankings within parties, changing the Knesset immunity mechanism, and postponing criminal proceedings for certain offenses against prime ministers and ministers until after their terms.

Smotrich stated that the upcoming term presents a "fateful crossroads" for Israel, with key appointments to the Supreme Court, Attorney General, and State Prosecutor's Office poised to shape the nation for years to come. Rothman added that the plan is fundamental to restoring Israeli democracy, ensuring public will for governance, security, and true rule of law, and preventing decisions from being made by an unelected "deep state" of officials and judges.