Israeli Parties Unveiled Plans to Change the Judicial System

A Constitution and Basic Laws

Yisrael Beiteinu proposes adopting a unified constitution by referendum and, following its approval, permitting amendments only with a majority of at least 80 Knesset members. Beyachad intends to enact Basic Law: Legislation and enshrine the Declaration of Independence as the first chapter of the constitution. The Yashar! party also supports Basic Law: Legislation and the regulation of judicial review in Basic Law: The Judiciary, but opposes a mechanism for overriding court rulings.

Appointment of Judges and High Court of Justice Powers

Yashar! and Beyachad promise to repeal the new law on the selection of judges and advance a mechanism that will preserve judicial independence. Amcha Yisrael proposes removing Israel Bar Association representatives from the Judicial Selection Committee, establishing an additional judicial instance and limiting the use of the reasonableness doctrine. The Reservists — Economic Party supports overriding the High Court of Justice's invalidation of a law with a majority of more than 72 Knesset members, enacting Basic Laws with at least 61 votes and limiting the reasonableness doctrine, but not abolishing it.

More Far-Reaching Reforms

The Religious Zionism party included in its platform the election of the president of the Supreme Court by the judges in a secret ballot, the division of the attorney general's roles and an override clause for court rulings. Under the plan, the attorney general and the legal advisers to government ministries would be positions of trust, while the chief prosecutor would be appointed on the recommendation of the justice minister and a special public committee. Zehut proposes completely abolishing the Judicial Selection Committee and electing Supreme Court judges by a direct vote of the citizens.

Access to Justice and Positions Without a Detailed Plan

The Democrats emphasize establishing an appellate instance between the district courts and the Supreme Court, expanding mediation and arbitration, increasing the number of judges and shortening the duration of proceedings. Blue and White also promises to regulate the Basic Laws, limit court intervention in government decisions, and improve service to citizens and oversight of the State Attorney's Office. Likud declined to answer media questions, Ra'am did not present an updated position, and Otzma Yehudit said that a detailed judicial plan was still being prepared.

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