Israel's Controversial Judiciary Overhaul Sparks Mass Protests and Military Reservists' Refusal of Duty

Israel's governing coalition is pushing forward with its controversial plan to overhaul the country's judiciary, despite widespread opposition. The proposed legislation would limit judicial oversight on government decisions, a move that has faced criticism from military reservists, mass protests, and concern from the United States.

The plan, championed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's nationalist and religious government, has deeply divided the country and sparked one of its worst domestic crises. In response to the legislation, reservists in elite military units, including the Air Force and cyber warfare, have vowed to refuse duty if the overhaul proceeds.

A large protest movement is expected to stage a "day of disruption" on Tuesday. Previous mass protests have caused chaos, with demonstrations leading to clashes between police and protesters and disruptions to transportation hubs.

The government argues that the plan aims to curb what it sees as an overly interventionist judiciary and restore power to elected officials. However, critics argue that the legislation would undermine Israel's system of checks and balances and push the country towards autocracy.

They also highlight a conflict of interest, as Netanyahu is on trial for corruption charges while attempting to reform the justice system. The rise in opposition within the military earlier this year led to the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, triggering the mass protests that forced Netanyahu to suspend the legal changes and reinstate Gallant.

Despite warnings about the impact on the economy, military capabilities, and social fabric, the government is moving forward with the plan after failing to find a compromise with opposition parties.

The current judicial system includes a "reasonability standard" that allows the court to review government decisions to protect against corruption. Critics argue that removing this standard would enable the government to appoint unqualified individuals without oversight and potentially influence Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial.

Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu defended the overhaul and criticized opposition from within the military, stating that "insubordination is contrary to democracy and contrary to the law."

The legislation is expected to undergo a final parliamentary vote early next week, with opponents warning of the potential consequences for Israel's democratic values and institutions.