Israel's Parliament Approves Key Element of Netanyahu's Judicial Overhaul

On March 27, 2025, Israel’s parliament approved a major part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform, granting the government two additional seats on the nine-member Judicial Selection Committee. This change is designed to increase government influence over the appointment of judges by giving them veto power over nominations.

The new law, which is set to take effect after the next Knesset elections, has reignited nationwide protests and renewed debates over the balance between political power and judicial independence. While supporters—including Justice Minister Yariv Levin—claim the reform democratizes the judiciary, critics warn that it could undermine essential checks on government authority, echoing concerns raised during the initial implementation of the broader reform in 2023.