Israeli Military protests questionable judicial overhaul

The plan includes legislation that will enable the coalition to override Supreme Court rulings by a 61-member majority. This would significantly limit the ability of the Supreme Court to serve as a check on the power of the government and could undermine the separation of powers in Israel’s democracy.

Moreover, it would give the Prime Minister greater control over the appointment of judges and limit the power of the Supreme Court.

IDF reservist doctors, pilots and soldiers are warning they will not show up for duty if the Israeli government goes ahead with its judicial overhaul. https://t.co/72LmZBWoAG by @BenCaspit

— Al-Monitor (@AlMonitor) March 8, 2023

The proposed changes to the judiciary have been met with particular concern among Israeli military personnel, who fear that the changes would undermine the rule of law and jeopardize their ability to serve their country without political interference.

The concerns come in the wake of a letter sent by hundreds of reserve air force pilots, members of special forces units, and military intelligence officers to the Chief of Staff of the IDF, stating that they would refuse to serve if the proposed changes to the judiciary were implemented.

The letter read, “We, who have dedicated our lives to defending the state of Israel and its citizens, cannot be expected to serve a government that seeks to undermine the rule of law and compromise the independence of the judiciary.”

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) leadership is expressing concerns that the growing protests among reservists could affect the military’s operational preparedness and capabilities against Iranian aggression in Syria and preparing for a possible military strike against Iran’s nuclear program.

Sharon Lerner, a legal expert, and outspoken critic of the proposed changes, said, “The military has always been seen as an apolitical institution in Israeli society, and the fact that so many soldiers and reservists are speaking out against the changes is a sign of how significant this issue has become.”

The growing opposition to the government’s proposed changes comes at a time of political uncertainty in Israel, with Netanyahu facing corruption charges and a looming election. Many see the proposed judicial overhaul plan as a desperate attempt to shore up support among his base and consolidate his power before he potentially faces a trial.

The opposition has vowed to fight the government’s plan, with some politicians calling for mass protests and civil disobedience. The leader of the opposition, Yair Lapid, has warned that the government’s move could lead to a constitutional crisis and called for a national unity government to address the situation.

On the other hand, some government officials have sought to play down the impact of the protests, with Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn stating that the protests were “a legitimate expression of opinion, but they do not represent the majority of IDF reservists.” While other officials want strict action against the dissenting military officials including the reservists.

The right-wing government’s plan to weaken the Supreme Court and other democratic institutions has created an unprecedented constitutional crisis in Israel. As the protests continue to grow, it remains to be seen whether Netanyahu will back down from his proposed plan or face increasing opposition from civil society groups, the military, and the broader Israeli public.