Netanyahu’s risky judicial reform clashes with Mossad.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition passes law limiting Supreme Court’s power
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition has recently passed a law that limits the power of the Supreme Court. This majority-rule vote has sparked deep internal doubts about the health of Israel’s democratic system. The move has raised concerns about the future of checks and balances in the country’s governance.
A risky gamble
According to Jonathan Schanzer, Senior Vice President of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, Netanyahu is taking a gamble with this decision. He is betting that it will not have far-reaching effects on Israeli society and security. However, the outcome remains uncertain, and the consequences are unknown.
Opposition and concerns
Netanyahu’s allies pushed ahead with the legislation, despite an opposition boycott, to deprive the Israeli Supreme Court of its customary power to overturn government decisions. This has sparked concerns among many Israeli voters, including military reservists, who fear that it could compromise the system of checks and balances. Danny Citrinowicz, a former career Israel Defense Intelligence official, warns that any decision made by the Supreme Court will be problematic and could lead to a constitutional crisis or unprecedented measures that undermine the readiness of the Israel Defense Forces.
US officials express concerns
US officials, including President Biden, have expressed their concerns about such a fundamental change being made through a party-line vote. They believe that major changes in a democracy should have broad consensus. Talks are ongoing to forge a broader compromise, even with the Knesset in recess.
Protests and opposition leaders
The passage of this law has sparked intense street protests and raised the specter of a constitutional crisis. Israeli union officials are even discussing a proposal to go on strike until the government backs down. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticizes Netanyahu’s attempts to reduce pressure and put the protests to sleep, calling it “another lie.” Protest leaders compare Netanyahu to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and there may be a political break with the Israeli intelligence community.
Warnings from the intelligence community
The Israeli intelligence community, including Mossad chief David Barnea, has warned about the potential consequences of this overhaul. Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen emphasizes the importance of protecting the citizens of Israel and expresses concern about the state’s future.
The message from the intelligence community, particularly the apparent leak from Barnea’s camp, could lead to a backlash that surpasses the previous protests. The opposition could be ignited in ways that have not been seen before.
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