Weekly Commentary: Headlong Plunge into Chaos or Path to Resolution? MK
Rothman Fast-Tracks Part of Judicial Reform

Dr. Aaron Lerner, 5th February 2023

Israel Radio Kan reported this morning that MK Simcha Rothman (Religious
Zionism), Chairman of the Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee, will
fast-track the two most controversial elements of judicial reform: the
appointment of judges and judicial review of Basic Law.

I fervently hope that the final versions of these two pieces of legislation
will be acceptable to all except for diehards on both sides, putting an end
to the dangerous situation in our country at a time when we face existential
challenges from our enemies.

To be clear, the current wording, especially regarding judicial review of
Basic Law, is unacceptable. There needs to be a special majority of the
Supreme Court that can void a Basic Law passed in the Knesset, and
overturning this special Supreme Court decision should require a
supermajority vote of the Knesset.

Only time will tell if this is what Justice Minister Levin and MK Rothman
have in mind, and that the original texts were drafted so that the
opposition would have enough "improvements" to ultimately put this chapter
behind us.
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