in their details, the judicial changes That Israel’s parliament passed yesterday sounds like something liberals in the US and pro-democracy advocates around the world could support.
Israel has limited the powers of its Supreme Court justices, who have hitherto been able to use the vague standard of “reasonableness” to overturn policies issued by government ministers. In the future, democratically elected leaders will have more power and unelected judges less. Conceptually, the policy isn’t that different from the changes many Democrats are making would like to implement in this country.
But the reaction of political progressives, moderates and even some conservatives – in Israel and elsewhere – has instead been extremely alarming. And this concern stems from many observers’ concern that Israel is using the mechanisms of democracy to transform itself into an undemocratic country.
According to many observers, the government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (known as Bibi) is the most right-wing in the country’s 75-year history. Freed from judicial scrutiny, it will have the opportunity to push Israel further towards becoming a religiously conservative country. The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians could intensify.
Fears of Netanyahu’s critics include:
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Israel could establish many more settlements in the West Bank, including on Palestinian private land, making long-term peace impossible.
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Ultra-Orthodox Jews who study religious studies may find it easier to avoid military service, creating a two-tier society even among Israelis.
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Netanyahu might be able to do that to appoint corrupt officials to the top posts. The standoff with the Supreme Court stems in part from Netanyahu blocking the appointment of Aryeh Deri – an ally convicted of taking bribes – as minister.
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Netanyahu, facing his own corruption trial, could replace the attorney general after the Supreme Court was disfigured. Netanyahu denied wrongdoing and said he has no plans to replace the attorney general.
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Thousands of Israeli military reservists could carry out their threat and forego training and military service for the overhaul, undermining national security.
Bibi’s turn
Our Jerusalem-based colleague Isabel Kershner told us: “The fundamental divide is between the more liberal, largely secular Israelis who want a pluralistic country with a tolerant and open society, and the religiously conservative and right-wing forces that make up Bibi’s current government.”
The Supreme Court was a particularly important body since Israel has no formal constitution. In other countries, a constitution may restrict an elected government’s powers, including attempts to manipulate the political system to allow leaders to remain in power. In Israel, the court played this restraining role.
A paradox of judicial reform is that it is both strengthening Netanyahu’s government and a sign of his own political weakness. He long against such a revision, while some far-right and religious parties supported it. But now he needs those parties to stay in power – and he may need to stay in power to avoid jail.
“He looks like a weak prime minister run by the hardliners in his party and coalition,” Isabel said. A Netanyahu biographer said David Remnick of the New Yorker that the mass protests and military disobedience indicate that Netanyahu has become Israel’s weakest prime minister.
Of course, Israel’s political center and left could be even weaker, one reason Netanyahu remains in power.
More from Israel
Messy Fun: At a monthly party in New York, guests bring a Tinder match they’ve never met. What could go wrong?
“The Younger Person’s Version of Goop”: Sporty and rich started out as an Instagram account. It’s about to open a New York store.
Ick factor: It tastes like any other beer, but it is brewed with sewage.
lives lived: Reeves Callaway made high-performance automobiles for wealthy clients that challenged Porsche and Ferrari and reached speeds of 250 miles per hour. Callaway died at the age of 75.
WOMEN’S WORLD CUP
Linda Caicedo, the 18-year-old who scored the winning goal in Colombia’s 2-0 win over South Korea is in her third World Cup in a year after competing in the U20 and U17 tournaments.
The Phillipines won his first World Cup game ever With his first World Cup goal, he defeated co-hosts New Zealand 1-0.
Three points for a win and one for a draw: Here’s how teams can do it Entry into the round of 16.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
settle down: Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn’t thrown a pass yet, but he does soak up New York culture.
Another game penalty: A Denver Broncos defensive tackle, Eyioma Uwazurike, was suspended indefinitely for betting on NFL games and joining a number of players who have been penalized for violating the league’s gambling policies this offseason.
ARTS AND IDEAS
A family of shark hunters: The Shark Is Broken, a comedy based on the troubled production of the 1975 film Jaws, hits Broadway next month. The one-act play focuses on the bickering of the film stars, particularly Robert Shaw, the acclaimed British actor who played Quint, the shark hunter. If the quint is in no way inferior to the original on stage, then with good reason: Shaw’s son Ian plays him.
