Published: 25 March 2025
Last updated: 25 March 2025
“Barring a last-minute change, Israel will end this week with a regime different from the one it had at its beginning. According to the planned timetable, it will no longer be the same Israel by Thursday afternoon.”
That is the verdict of Avi Bar-Eli in Haaretz on the past crucial week for the future of Israeli democracy. It started on Sunday when the Israeli government convened. However, instead of addressing urgent national crises—such as the Gaza and Lebanon conflicts, missile attacks, or rising crime—it focused on removing Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Justice Minister Yariv Levin presented an 84-page justification filled with misleading claims, and the cabinet unanimously approved the first step towards her dismissal.
This move signals a critical shift in Israel’s democratic structure, especially after the controversial attempt to oust Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, which the High Court froze.
Simultaneously, the government advanced legislation redefining the West Bank as "Judea and Samaria" and pushed forward the 2025 state budget. The Finance Committee debated the allocation of funds, particularly substantial financial support for ultra-Orthodox communities in exchange for political backing. Budget approval will stabilise the coalition until March 2026, enabling further judicial overhauls and policy changes, including the ultra-Orthodox draft exemption and annexation efforts.
On Monday, the Knesset began debating the budget, with the opposition given limited time to present reservations before a near-certain approval on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Netanyahu, possibly buoyed by the budget’s passage, is expected to push for a judicial overhaul, including restructuring the Judicial Appointments Committee. The proposed changes would shift judicial appointments towards political control, removing the justices' veto power and allowing coalition influence over Supreme Court appointments.
