Israeli Supreme Court to hold hearing on judicial reforms | Photo: Reuters

Israel’s Supreme Court will hold a hearing today regarding the government’s removal of the reasonableness law, the result of which will impact Israeli democracy dramatically.

On July 24th Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government passed a bill prohibiting the Supreme Court from labeling government decisions “unreasonable.” Israel does not have a constitution, and prior to its removal, the reasonableness law was intended to limit governmental overreach.

Netanyahu’s push to weaken the judiciary’s check on power is part of a legal overhaul that promises to be the most significant in Israeli history. Supporters claim this will rebalance an overly powerful judiciary. Conversely, critics state the law was one of the key checks and balances in the country’s legal and political system, and its revocation was a step towards autocracy. The bill is hugely controversial, sparking mass protest and widespread condemnation, including from inside the military.

The hearing enters unchartered territory as the Supreme Court delineates its own future. With notable politicians signaling they won’t respect the law’s reinstatement; the stage is set for a constitutional clash with no clear solution. It is unlikely the results of the hearing will end what has become an existential crisis regarding Israel’s future. Increasingly, aggressive public demonstrations and even military protests should not be ruled out.