JERUSALEM — For the seventh consecutive week, as Sabbath ended, hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested what the government is proposing on judicial reform. Seeing it as politicians taking over the judicial process by increasing their control over nominations to the Supreme Court, and limiting the Court from overturning Knesset enactments.
With a vote in the Knesset scheduled for Monday, many thousands will protest at that site.
Continuing pursuit of legislation that would keep the Court from preventing Aryeh Deri from returning as a minister in the government, despite his conviction on charges of financial irregularities.
We’ve also heard expressions from present and former heads of security services and other distinguished government positions, as well as a range of distinguished and retired judges and other judicial personnel, and professors, who see Israel on the verge of losing its democratic status vis the reforms being proposed.
There are signs that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to modify what’s been occurring, by acting against extreme proposals by Itamar Ben-Gvir, the minister of internal security, and Bezalel Smotrich, the minister of finance with authority over civilian actions in the territories.
However, we’re also being warned that behind Netanyahu, and perhaps working subtly to be in a position to replace him eventually, is an even more extreme conservative, Yariv Levin, currently serving as minister of justice. Levin is the source and major pusher of several reforms of the judiciary, and shows some, but seemingly minor inclinations to compromise.
So perhaps we should enjoy Bibi while we have him. And continue to remind ourselves that his Knesset majority is only four seats, and to enjoy the pressure that he must feel from opposition noises from within his coalition. It’s a wide tent that he’s built and is trying to hold together. Sephardi ultra-Orthodox are not happy about all the measures on the table, and are concerned to promote Deri. While other coalition members aren’t all that happy about Deri’s insistence at becoming a minister, despite a conviction for financial crime that—if the regular laws would apply—would disqualify him from sitting as minister.
A great deal of noise along with a thin majority for the government. And a poll showing support only for an even thinner majority.