For the first time in Israel's history all 15 SC judges to hear petitions challenging Netanyahu's judicial reforms

Israel’s Supreme Court is facing a crucial challenge today as it tackles the government’s controversial attempts to reform the country’s judiciary.

This move has raised concerns about a potential constitutional crisis in the nation.

Back in July, the ruling coalition successfully altered a law that stripped the Supreme Court of its authority to invalidate government laws on the grounds of ‘reasonableness’.

It’s worth noting that Israel lacks a written constitution or an upper house of parliament, making this power a crucial mechanism for maintaining checks and balances on the government.

The Attorney General of Israel stands in opposition to the government’s stance on this matter.

The significance of today’s hearing is also historical for the country because all 15 Supreme Court judges will assemble to hear the petitions, an unprecedented event in Israel’s history.

The current government, the most right-leaning in Israel’s history, contends that unelected courts have wielded excessive authority over the elected government.

Thus, they seek to rebalance this power in their favor. The removal of the ‘reasonableness doctrine’, rooted in the British legal system, represents the initial step in their controversial judicial reform efforts.

The government’s argument hinges on the idea that politicians are chosen by the people, and it is not the judges’ role to decide the justification of government laws.

Earlier this year, the High Court’s decision to block a coalition ally’s cabinet appointment due to prior criminal convictions had irked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Critics of the government argue that the ‘reasonableness’ measure is one of the few tools the court possesses to review and scrutinize government decisions.

Throughout the year, weekly mass protests have drawn hundreds of thousands to the streets, expressing concern that Netanyahu and his far-right nationalist allies intend to undermine the courts to the point of ushering in autocratic rule. They demand the abandonment of these reforms and Netanyahu’s resignation.

The Supreme Court’s ruling, to be delivered at a later, undetermined date, carries the potential to push Israel into chaos, sparking a confrontation between the government and the judiciary.

The consequences remain uncertain, but this non-military crisis would undoubtedly be the gravest Israel has faced.

In one scenario, state entities such as civil servants, the military, and intelligence agencies may be compelled to decide whether to adhere to the court’s interpretation of the law or the government’s.

Some senior politicians in the coalition have openly stated they would defy the court’s decision.

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