Israeli Judiciary's Growing Power Alarms Netanyahu Ahead of Elections
As Israel approaches upcoming elections, tensions rise over the judiciary's expanding authority, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views with concern. The Supreme Court has increasingly asserted dominance over government decisions, particularly regarding appointments to the Second Authority Council, where the government’s refusal to comply with court rulings signals a looming confrontation. Legal experts like Yitzhak Amit warn that noncompliance with the Supreme Court is imminent and framed as a question of when, not if. Despite the judiciary’s advantage, the government risks appearing powerless due to entrenched bureaucratic loyalty to legal advisors rather than elected officials.
The article highlights decades of creeping judicial power and governmental neglect of key appointments, resulting in a "deep state" where unelected officials prioritize legal counsel over ministerial directives. The Supreme Court has declared that any official facilitating a government appointment overturned by the court would themselves be guilty of disobedience, reinforcing judicial supremacy. This imbalance threatens Israel’s democratic checks and balances, with the judiciary effectively overriding legislative authority, including on Basic Laws considered akin to a constitution.
Security Chief David Zini’s remarks affirm subordination to political leadership, but ambiguity remains about compliance with court rulings conflicting with government instructions. The article criticizes the erosion of democratic norms as the judiciary sidelines the Knesset and government, undermining public will. The Supreme Court’s intervention in judicial appointments and legislative matters exemplifies this shift.
Politically, Netanyahu is wary of a new party formed by former government officials, which he suspects aims to siphon right-wing votes to support a government led by Benny Gantz’s ally, Gadi Eizenkot. The article also details internal political betrayals within the Blue and White party, particularly involving Hili Tropper and Yoaz Hendel, who have distanced themselves from Gantz, complicating opposition unity.
Opposition leaders discuss forming a "narrow government" reliant on Arab party Ra’am’s support, a strategy viewed skeptically given past failures of similar coalitions. Ra’am’s influence could grant it disproportionate power, threatening government stability. Netanyahu’s camp sees this as a dangerous gamble driven by a desire for power rather than national interest.
In summary, the article portrays a political landscape fraught with judicial overreach, internal opposition fractures, and contentious coalition-building, all unfolding as Israel heads toward elections.
