Israeli Supreme Court Rejects Law Restricting Judicial Review

Israel’s Supreme Court, in a landmark 8-7 decision, struck down on Monday a pivotal law that was central to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform plan, a move that could reignite societal tensions amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The law, passed in July, prohibited judges from invalidating government decisions they found “unreasonable.” This ruling counters efforts by Netanyahu and his allies, who have sought to limit judicial oversight and reshape the judiciary.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a key figure in the reform efforts, criticized the court’s decision, labeling it a power grab. He emphasized the need for unity during the country’s military campaign, stating that the government would continue to act with “restraint and responsibility.”

The court’s decision also included a 12-3 ruling affirming their authority to overturn “basic laws,” which act as Israel’s de facto constitution. This represents a significant setback for Netanyahu and his coalition, who argued that the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, should have the final say in legal matters.

This ruling arrives at a critical time as the country grapples with the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on October 7, which led to a war causing significant casualties on both sides. The conflict has united many Israelis, but the Supreme Court’s decision could potentially reopen divisions within Israeli society, particularly among military reservists who had protested against the judicial overhaul.