Israeli Parties Divided on Judicial Reform Proposals

With 16 days remaining until the election, Israeli political parties hold diverse and often opposing views on proposed reforms to the judicial system. The parties were surveyed on their stances regarding the Supreme Court's powers, the composition of the judicial appointments committee, and the role of the Attorney General.

National Unity Party chairman Gadi Eisenkot opposes an override clause, warning it would be used for political purposes, such as bypassing Supreme Court rulings on draft exemptions. The party advocates for a balanced judicial appointments committee and opposes making the Attorney General's opinions non-binding.

The Likud party supports a comprehensive judicial overhaul, including changes to the judicial appointments committee, limiting the Supreme Court's power to strike down laws, and an override clause requiring a 61-seat majority. Justice Minister Yariv Levin has championed these reforms, including a change in the committee's composition to give political actors more influence. The party also supports splitting the Attorney General's role and making their opinions non-binding for the government.

Other parties present varied positions. Yisrael Beiteinu opposes the override clause and changes to the judicial appointments committee, viewing them as politicizing the judiciary. The Democratic Party aims to repeal judicial revolution laws, strengthen judicial review, and protect the binding nature of legal opinions. United Torah Judaism and Shas support limiting the Supreme Court's power and advocate for an override clause, with the former stating it's a condition for government formation. The Joint List supports checks and balances and protecting minority rights, while Otzma Yehudit pushes for extensive reforms, including an override clause and splitting the Attorney General's role. Religious Zionism opposes the Supreme Court's power to void laws and supports an override clause, while Ra'am opposes key reform measures and splitting the Attorney General's role. The Reservists and Economics list supports regulating the Supreme Court's power and an override clause with a higher majority, while Am Israel supports changing the balance of power and establishing a new judicial body. Blue and White supports regulated judicial review, an override clause in extreme cases, and maintaining the binding nature of the Attorney General's opinions.

Some parties, like the Democratic Party, have also proposed additional measures such as barring those under indictment from serving in office and limiting prime ministerial terms. The article notes that the N12 political matching tool can help voters identify parties aligned with their views.