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New nationwide protests began in Israel on Wednesday against planned reforms to the judiciary. A group of reservists and soldiers temporarily blocked the central connecting road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in the morning, Haaretz newspaper reported. Protests and marches were again planned in numerous cities during the day. The Justice Committee in parliament wanted to vote on parts of the reform on Wednesday.

According to plans by the right-wing government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, parliament should be able to overturn Supreme Court decisions by a simple majority in the future. In addition, politicians should be given more influence in the appointment of judges. The proposed law could also play into the hands of the head of government in a corruption trial against Netanyahu that has been underway for some time.

In parliament, a first vote on a bill was scheduled that would make it significantly more difficult to declare a prime minister incapacitated. This requires a three-quarters majority in parliament. Moreover, dismissal would only be possible for psychological or other health reasons. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara warns that this change could lead to “absurd situations”. It creates a “black hole” because it prevents any legal oversight.

Critics see the reform as a threat to the separation of powers and warn that Israel could turn into a dictatorship. The government, on the other hand, argues that the Supreme Court currently exercises too much political influence. Because Israel does not have a written constitution and the state is based on a set of basic laws, the Supreme Court is of particular importance in upholding the rule of law and human rights. (aeg/sda/dpa)