Opposition Warns Next Israeli Government Will Struggle to Reverse Current Coalition's Harmful Laws
Members of Israel's opposition coalition, known as the Change Bloc, have pledged to repeal the damaging legislation passed by the current government. However, experts caution that not all laws can be undone easily, or at all, due to political and procedural constraints. The anticipated next government will face the challenge of rebuilding the state and creating a political system resistant to future attempts at regime change, but it may lack the capacity and consensus to reverse every harmful law enacted since October 7.
A key lesson from the past decade is the importance of legislative process, not just content, with thorough debate enabling opposition to effectively challenge controversial laws. The current fragmented opposition expects to become a more united coalition, potentially improving its ability to counteract the current government's policies. One contentious law is the division of the Attorney General's roles, which the Change Bloc pledges to repeal, given its weakening effect on democratic safeguards.
Another complex issue is the Basic Law on Torah Study, which enshrines the value of Torah study in the constitution. It remains uncertain whether the next Knesset will have the majority to overturn this law, especially since some right-wing parties may view it as symbolic and harmless. However, future courts could use it to justify problematic rulings, including exemptions from military service and discriminatory funding.
Recently, a law expanding academic segregation passed, aiming to isolate religious women in educational ghettos. The next Education Minister will need to restore the damaged secular education system, establish a council to protect it from political interference, and combat international academic boycotts. Yet, political resources to repeal this segregation law may be limited.
Beyond legislation, the current Education Minister has empowered private colleges to grant professorships, a change unlikely to be reversed. Regarding kosher certification reform, hopes rest on the next government to reinstate changes stalled by the Chief Rabbinate's opposition. Since the reform is economic and not budgetary, it may require separate legislation outside the state budget framework. Overall, the next government faces a complex and resource-intensive task to repair the damage inflicted by the current coalition's policies.
