One of the first orders of business of Benjamin Netanyahu’s new government is an “overhaul” of Israel’s judicial system. The legislation proposed by the prime minister’s coalition would radically change the process by which justices are appointed, and it is controversial, to say the least. In addition, it will take away the high court’s ability to declare a law “unconstitutional.” Israel doesn’t have a constitution, but relies on what is called “The Basic Law.” If the Knesset passes a law that goes against the Basic Law, like in the US, the court can strike it down. These proposed changes have stirred up fiery words and large protests across the country this week.
“Last week, Netanyahu’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin presented a highly detailed program to hobble the court — by all but eliminating its capacity to strike down legislation and government…
