Israel faces nationwide disruption. Following the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament approved the law in a first reading that would limit the judiciary’s reach over government decisions. Public unrest spread to streets as thousands blocked major highways, aiming to reach Tel Aviv’s airport, the Knesset, and the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem. Police used force, including water cannon, to disperse demonstrators. About sixty people were detained during a day of mass protests on Tuesday.
The protests followed the controversial bill’s initial approval by lawmakers earlier in the week. The movement is led by members aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, a coalition described as far right and conservative, pushing a reform that would curb the judiciary’s independence and its powers. Over recent months, a large segment of Israeli society has expressed strong opposition to these revisions, warning that they threaten democracy and the system of checks and balances.
On Monday night, supporters of the bill claimed a victory as the changes would remove the court’s ability to overturn government actions on the grounds of reasonableness. The amendment stipulates that irrespective of legal jurisdiction, including the Supreme Court, courts would not judge or issue orders against the decisions of elected officials outside of established legal bounds. In effect, if the legislation becomes law, the executive branch would hold stronger sway over many government decisions.
“We are determined to destroy Israel”
Aware of the ultra-conservative majority in the Knesset, people gathered early outside the parliament building to voice opposition. This marked the first parliamentary approval of a judicial reform bill in the current cycle. Netanyahu had paused the legislation in March as demonstrations intensified, and the public pressure sparked a broader civic movement seeking to influence the outcome. On Tuesday, a letter from a large group of national security personnel warned they would not volunteer for service given what many see as the government’s intent to undermine the state.
Critics warn that relaxing judicial oversight could open doors to corruption and abuse of power. Supporters argue the reform would reduce court interference and enable faster, more decisive governance. Netanyahu issued a video statement saying the reform would strengthen democracy by limiting court vetoes, while opponents remained skeptical. The public mood remains distrustful about assurances from political leaders, with street protests continuing to call for more transparent governance.
Reports from the police indicated dozens of arrests during intensified demonstrations. Footage circulating on social media showed the use of water cannons and forceful crowd control methods, drawing sharp criticism from opponents. Earlier this week, a police chief announced plans to resign amid political pressure from national security ministers who want a tougher response to the protests. The resignation cited personal costs in a moment of intense political strain as authorities navigate a clash over the future of judicial power.
The leader of the country’s principal union, Arnon Bar-David, spoke out against the measures, urging Netanyahu to halt what he described as chaos. Critics of judicial reform warned that the law under consideration could invite corruption and enable concentrated power. Advocates counter that the reform would prevent excessive court intervention and accelerate governance. Netanyahu argued that the move does not threaten democracy, but supporters and opponents alike recognize the deep mistrust and heated debate surrounding the issue.