Israel celebrated its 75th Independence Day on May 25-26. Typically, this is a day of celebration and patriotism; however, this year, it was a day of protest and tension as tens-of-thousands took to the streets to challenge what they consider to be a threat to democracy.
While dignitaries and honored guests lit torches in a ceremony in Jerusalem, thousands marched in protest in Tel Aviv. The protestors oppose plans that would shift power away from the Supreme Court and toward the Knesset (parliament). Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, has crafted legislation that would allow the legislature to overrule Supreme Court decisions, give the legislature control over Supreme Court appointments, and eliminate the Court’s authority to review legislation. The prime minister claims these measures are needed to reign in overreaching judges who effectively nullify the legislative process. However, most people aren’t buying it. Fifty-three percent of the population believes the plan will harm the country. Diplomats have marched alongside protestors. Embassies around the world shuttered in protest. Hundreds of soldiers declared they will refuse reserve duty until the crisis is resolved. (This prompted the defense minister to declare a national security emergency, for which he was fired though reinstated weeks later.) Even leaders within Mossad, the Israeli intelligence agency, waded into forbidden waters by encouraging demonstrations.
The Israeli people rightly understand that their democracy is threatened by this “judicial overhaul.” The separation and balance of powers has been the critical element for sustaining democracies since sustainable democracies were invented over three centuries ago. Without it, a nation-state will invariably devolve into authoritarianism. This is a pivotal moment in Israel’s history.
This week marks the 16th straight week of protests. The planned overhaul was paused last month due to the strikes and demonstrations, though Netanyahu has not shelved the idea. Even the Israeli president weighed in to urge the prime minister to stop the process. While largely a figurehead, the president is nonetheless key to the balance of power in a parliamentary system. Perhaps he needs to act more aggressively to resolve the problem.
Source:
Emily Rose, “Israel Begins Independence Day Celebrations Marred by Protests,” Reuters, 25 April 2023; accessed from https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/israel-begins-independence-day-celebrati-idUSRTSIJB84
Emily Rose, Rami Amichai, “Israelis Protest Planned Judicial Overhaul Ahead of 75th Independence Day,” Reuters, 22 April 2023.
John Hudson, Louisa Loveluck, “Mossad Chiefs Led Revolt Against Netanyahu’s Judicial Plans, Memo Says,” Washington Post, 9 April 2023, A15.
Emily Rose, Steven Scheer, “Israel Government to Delay Disputed Judiciary Bill Amid Mass Protests,” Reuters, 30 March 2023; accessed https://www.reuters.com/news/picture/israeli-government-delays-disputed-judic-idUSKBN2VT07L
Photo: Oren Alon (Reuters)
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