Reactions to the 2023 Israeli judicial reform

On 4 January 2023 the newly appointed Israeli Justice Minister Yariv Levin announced his intention to make a number of major changes to the judicial system and the balance of powers in Israel.^[1] On 11 January, Levin published a draft of his proposed changes, which included significant changes to the judiciary, executive and legislative processes and functions.^[2] The government's proposed reform has sparked intense controversy in Israel. Opposition leaders, senior past civil servants, economists, activists, jurists, and others have harshly criticized the proposed changes, arguing they will undermine judicial independence and effectively grant the government unchecked power.^[3][4] The opponents to the reform include reservists in Israel's security forces, with some stating they will stop conducting reserve duty service if the proposed reform is progressed through as legislation.^[5] They also include members of Israel's financial and tech sectors.^[6] Large-scale street protests against the reform began shortly after its introduction and took place until 7 October, when the Israel–Hamas war began.^[7]

The reform has received support from some academics, with 120 professors and retired politicians expressing their support.^[8] It has received support from religious Zionist rabbis,^[9] as well as members of the political right, who have staged counter-protests in response to opposition demonstrations.^[10] The reform has also triggered international reactions, with U.S. President Joe Biden and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressing concern over the reform and its adoption process.^[11][12]