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What You Need To Know About Israel’s Judicial Reforms

In July 2023, the majority of the Israeli Knesset (Parliament) began what many anticipate will be Israel’s judicial overhaul, passing legislation that would limit the Israeli Supreme Court’s ability to review the “reasonableness” of government decisions. This contentious legislation is part of a larger debate over Israel judicial reforms. Here’s what you need to know to about this legislation, what it means for Israel, why some people in Israel are protesting judicial reforms while others are demonstrating their support, and AJC's view.

Knessett building israeli parliment. large beige stone building in background, grey-blue sky
Israel’s Reasonableness Law: What it Means for Israel’s Democracy and Security
July 27, 2023
AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson breaks down what Israel’s recently-enacted judicial reform means for the future of the only democracy in the Middle East.
Listen to the Podcast
Knesset
What Does the Passage of the Reasonableness Bill Mean for Democracy in Israel?
July 28, 2023
The Reasonableness Standard Bill adopted by the Knesset this week, with the support only of members of governing coalition parties, will – if it survives legal challenges – alter the balance of power between the judicial and executive and legislative branches of government. Elected officials will have fewer restraints on their actions. The High Court of Justice will retain other oversight tools, however. 
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AJC American Jewish Committee logoa and spelled out
What to Know About Israel’s Judicial Reforms
June 13, 2023
Proposed judicial reforms in Israel that would dramatically shift the balance of power in the Israeli government have triggered mass protests, condemnation from wide swaths of Israeli society, and expressions of concern from American Jewish organizations. Here is what you need to know about Israel’s Judicial Reforms.
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American Jewish Committee logo on blue background
AJC Statement on Israeli Reasonableness Standard Law
July 24, 2023
American Jewish Committee (AJC) today expressed profound disappointment over the passage of the Reasonableness Standard Law in Israel.

The new law was pushed through unilaterally by the governing coalition amid deepening divisions in Israeli society as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of Israelis who have taken to the streets. Of particular concern to AJC, the continued effort to press forward on judicial reform rather than seeking compromise has sown discord within the Israeli Defense Forces at a time of elevated threats to the Jewish homeland and has strained the vital relationship between Israel and Diaspora Jewry. 
Read the Press Release
Knesset
What is Israel’s “reasonableness” legislation and why is it so contentious?
July 23, 2023
The Israeli Knesset (Parliament) has initiated a legislative process that would limit the High Court of Israel’s ability to review the “reasonableness” of government decisions. This highly contentious legislation is part of Israel's protests against judicial reforms.
Read More
photo of flags outside Knesset building , Israeli parliament.
What to Know About Israel’s Judicial Reforms Effort and Protests
March 30, 2023
This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pressed pause on a series of contentious judicial reforms that have triggered mass protests, condemnation from wide swaths of Israeli society, and expressions of concern from American leaders and Jewish organizations. Belle Yoeli and Jason Isaacson discuss what this means for the future of the Middle East’s only democracy.
Listen to the Podcast
graphic displaying AJC logo
Statement from AJC CEO Ted Deutch on Judicial Reform in Israel
February 24, 2023
In a call with American Jewish Committee (AJC) leaders from across the United States, AJC CEO Ted Deutch made remarks on judicial reform in Israel.
Read the Press Release
AJC Blue Logo
American Jewish Committee, Other Jewish Organizations Welcome Suspension of Israeli Judicial Overhaul Legislation
March 27, 2023
We welcome the Israeli government’s suspension of legislative consideration of judicial reform measures. The last three months have been painful to watch and yet a textbook case of democracy in action. We respect the political leaders, business executives, community activists, cultural figures, and ordinary Israelis who took to the streets, exercising their love of country, and their passion for democracy."
Read the Press Release
American Jewish Committee
Background on Proposed Judicial Reforms in Israel Read More

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