One step closer to self-destruction: Tensions rise in Israel over Netanyahu's legal overhaul

By: M. Sharifi

The rise of radical Zionist parties has plunged Israel's political system and society into utter chaos. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets every Saturday over the past few weeks to demonstrate against the policies of Netanyahu's newly elected far-right administration. Even Israel's western allies voiced worry, with observers in Tel Aviv expressing fears of an imminent civil war or, at best, a looming social collapse.

To avoid punishment for his political corruption and economic malfeasance, Netanyahu is attempting to undermine the independence of the regime's legal systems.Netanyahu has proposed changes enabling a slight majority of lawmakers in the Knesset to nullify any Supreme Court ruling. With this adjustment in place, cabinet members can ignore the recommendations of Supreme Court experts. Netanyahu's Justice Minister Yariv Levin has also suggested reorganising the Judge Selection Committee to ensure that all three powers have equal representation, which would likely result in the appointment of more pro-Netanyahu committee members.

Moreover, the Supreme Court could no longer declare an executive order void on the grounds that it was arbitrary. The number of outspoken critics of Netanyahu is growing rapidly. As Israel's key intelligence agencies have joined the opposition ranks, Netanyahu's judiciary overhaul, which many have called Bibi's coup d'état, faces more challenges. According to the French news website "Intelligence Online," the Israeli regime's espionage agency Mossad and its internal security service Shabak have joined the protest movement against the policies of Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu and his extreme-right cabinet are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up, leading commentators in Israel and foreign analysts to speculate that Netanyahu's cabinet will soon fall.In light of the massive protests sweeping the occupied Palestinian territories [Israel], Netanyahu has postponed until next month the assessment of judiciary reforms. On Monday night, he declared that further deliberations over his much-despised reforms would not occur until after the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Since the Israeli Parliament will be closed the following week for Passover, the bill will be sent to the next session for approval of amendments through dialogue.Netanyahu has lambasted deserting army reservists, which he called a horrible mistake, attributing Israel's deteriorating political crisis to them and an "extremist minority who endeavor to split the country over opposition to reforms."