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| The judicial reform project that caused the crisis in Israel |
Israel is in the grip of one of the biggest crises in its history after the government strongly opposed plans to reform its judicial system.
We have tried to describe briefly what is happening in Israel at the moment.
What is happening in Israel?
The beginning of the year has seen large weekly protests against the government's reform plan. The protests gained momentum, with hundreds of thousands of people taking part in demonstrations in villages and cities across the country, especially in the capital Tel Aviv.
These protesters are demanding that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu end the reform plan and resign. His political opponents have been active in these protests, while the opposition to the reforms is transcending political affiliations.
In particular, a significant number of reserve personnel considered the backbone of Israel's armed forces, are against these reforms. They are protesting by refusing to assume their responsibilities and this has raised fears that the country's security is at risk from the crisis.
What is the anger of the citizens of Israel?
Netanyahu's opponents say that the reforms will weaken the country's democracy and judicial system. According to him, historically Israel's judicial system has prevented the government from exceeding its powers.
The current form of government and the Prime Minister is also being criticized and termed as the most right-leaning era in history.
Critics say the reforms will protect Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, which he denies. According to him, after these reforms, the government will get the laws approved without any hindrance.
What judicial reforms are under discussion in Israel?
These reforms are about the powers of the government versus the powers of the judiciary. In them, the courts have reviewed the annulment of the government's decisions.
The government says that the need for these reforms has been felt for a long time, but people are showing concern over some parts of it.
The government's plan includes these reforms:
The power of the Supreme Court to review laws will be weakened. Court decisions can be overruled by a simple majority in either parliament.
The influence of the government in the appointment of judges in other courts including the Supreme Court will increase. Government representation will increase on the committee that appoints judges.
Ministers are not bound to follow the advice of their legal advisers (who receive instructions from the Attorney General). Currently, they are required to do so by law.
One of these reforms has been passed into law. It removes the power of the Attorney General to disqualify the Prime Minister.
Will the government kneel?
Netanyahu has so far shown resistance and has accused leaders involved in the protests of trying to topple the government.
The government has proposed amendments to the reforms which were rejected by the opposition. The opposition says that they want to stop this project completed before the negotiations, but the government has rejected the compromise given by the president.
The government says he was elected by force of vote and promised to reform the judiciary. To stop it, in their opinion, would be undemocratic.
The government believes that the judiciary is too liberal and under-represented in the system of appointing new judges.
The pressure on the government is increasing day by day. The defense minister in Netanyahu's government has also spoken out against reforms in the judicial system, for which the prime minister fired him.