The Knesset passed a controversial law Tuesday morning, March 4, granting the far-right government full control over the appointment of the Public Complaints Commissioner against Judges. The law appointment power to a justice minister-led committee dominated by political figures, replacing the selection committee’s role in approving candidates jointly proposed by the justice minister and the Supreme Court president.

Knesset Member Simcha Rothman (Photo: Chaim Goldberg / Flash 90)

The bill, introduced by Knesset Member Simcha Rothman (Religious Zionism Party) passed with 56 votes in favor and 48 against. According to Haaretz, Rothman defended the change, claiming that “judges have always opposed oversight.” Hadash lawmakers strongly condemned the measure. MK Ofer Cassif (Hadash) slammed the law as “a fascist coup in full force” and warned that “a judiciary dependent on politicians can never be independent or rule justly.” He also urged colleagues to support transparency in judicial oversight.

A similar proposal was introduced in 2023 but was shelved following opposition from the legal community, who argued it compromised judicial impartiality. Despite ongoing massive protests and criticism from legal experts, the latest version of the law was approved. Since Israel’s most far-right government was elected and took its position in power in December 2022, it has sought to reform the judiciary in what has been described as a “coup against the judiciary.”

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32493