The constitutional crisis that’s tearing Israel apart

04/03/23 • 22 min

In Israel a constitutional crisis has seen thousands take to the streets, fearing that their rights could be eroded, as the government plans to weaken the powers of the highest court in the land.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s far-right coalition argues the Supreme Court is too powerful and they’re simply righting the wrongs of the system.

Protesters say the overhaul would erode Israel’s proud democracy and lead them towards a dictatorship.

After weeks of protests and pressure from all sides, Netanyahu finally backed down, but only slightly. He’s now paused the reforms ahead of the next session of parliament in a few weeks.

Today, editor in chief of Haaretz Esther Solomon unpicks Israel’s biggest protests in decades, and wonders whether Netayanhu’s pause is a chance for his side to regroup of yet more battles to come.

In Israel a constitutional crisis has seen thousands take to the streets, fearing that their rights could be eroded, as the government plans to weaken the powers of the highest court in the land.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s far-right coalition argues the Supreme Court is too powerful and they’re simply righting the wrongs of the system.

Protesters say the overhaul would erode Israel’s proud democracy and lead them towards a dictatorship.

After weeks of protests and pressure from all sides, Netanyahu finally backed down, but only slightly. He’s now paused the reforms ahead of the next session of parliament in a few weeks.

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Next Episode

Could Israel’s crisis lead to civil war?

In Israel, a constitutional crisis has seen thousands take to the streets, fearing that their rights could be eroded, as the government plans to weaken the powers of the highest court in the land.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netenyahu’s far-right coalition argues the Supreme Court is too powerful and they’re simply righting the wrongs of the system.

Protesters say the overhaul would erode Israel’s proud democracy and lead them towards a dictatorship.

After weeks of protests and pressure from all sides, Netanyahu finally backed down - but only slightly. He’s now paused the reforms ahead of the next session of parliament in a few weeks.

In this episode, editor in chief of Haaretz Esther Solomon unpicks Israel’s biggest protests in decades - and wonders whether Netayanhu’s pause is a chance for his side to regroup of yet more battles to come.