We will be updating this post with news and resources about what’s happening in Israel.
Monday, March 20, 2023
News
Coalition To Bring Judicial Appointments Bill for Final Votes Before Passover
This article provides an updated timeline on judicial legislation. It notes that the bill outlining the judicial selection process will be voted on before Passover, and other judicial legislation will not be considered until after Passover.
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Resources
What Matters Now…to Philosopher Micah Goodman: Preventing Civil War
This podcast and transcript of a conversation with philosopher Micah Goodman provides a historical and political framing of the current debated judicial legislation.
What Matters Now…to MK Simcha Rothman: ‘The People Should Appoint the Judges’
This podcast and transcript of a conversation with Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman provides the perspective of the author of the proposed judicial legislation.
News
MKs Approve 1st Reading of Override Clause, in Major Step Toward Judicial Overhaul
This article describes the vote of the first reading of the proposed judicial legislation. A second and third reading of the legislation will follow in the coming weeks; it takes three successful votes for a bill to become law.
How Does Herzog’s Judicial Reform Outline Compare To Other Plans?
This article compares and contrasts the People’s Directive issued by President Isaac Herzog with the judicial legislation currently being deliberated by the Knesset.
Most Israelis Support Herzog’s Judicial Reform Outline
This article presents polling data on the People’s Directive.
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Resources
What Is in the Judicial Reform Bills Being Voted for on Monday?
The new law would restrict the High Court from accepting petitions and reviewing articles pertaining to the Basic Laws. They will not be able to address the validity of a Basic Law.
Professor Suzie Navot Explains the Override Clause
Why is the override clause at the heart of the forthcoming coalition’s agenda and how does this relate to civil rights in Israel? Professor Suzie Navot, vice president of the Israel Democracy Institute, explains the role of the Supreme Court in Israel’s democratic system in just over two minutes.
Judicial Reform and the Implications for Israeli Democracy
In this edited transcript of her conversation with BICOM director Richard Pater, vice president of research at the Israel Democracy Institute professor Suzie Navot argues that judicial reforms proposed by the right-wing bloc—to Knesset override of the Supreme Court, executive immunity, and the appointment of judges—threaten Israeli democracy and the already fragile separation of powers.
An Open Letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid
The Jewish Federations of North America sent a letter on Feb. 19, 2023, expressing concerns over aspects of the reforms and urging negotiation for a compromise.
News
Roads, Trains Blocked as Thousands March in ‘Day of Disruption’ Against Overhaul
Protesters blocked roads, disrupted trains and marched in cities across the country on Wednesday as part of a “national day of disruption” against the government’s judicial overhaul plan.
Israeli Police Use Water Cannons and Stun Grenades on Protesters in Tel Aviv
The confrontations escalated tensions between the political leadership and protesters opposed to the far-right government’s plan to curb the powers of the judiciary.
Day of Disruption: Israel’s Protest Against the Judicial Coup, in Pictures
On Wednesday, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in a nationwide mass protest against the government’s assault on the country’s judicial system.