Haaretz Podcast
'In Israel, we now have crumbs of democracy, not real democracy'
Apr 1, 2025
Meital Pinto, a senior law lecturer and activist, discusses the alarming threats to democracy in Israel amidst ongoing conflict. She highlights the politicization of the Judicial Appointments Committee, warning it undermines judicial independence. Pinto raises concerns about proposed changes to electoral laws that could silence Arab political parties, jeopardizing the opposition's chances in future elections. She fears that the erosion of democratic checks may lead to an environment where free elections become impossible, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness and advocacy.
28:09
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Quick takeaways
- The recent law altering the Judicial Appointments Committee threatens judicial independence, potentially leading to a politicized judiciary in Israel.
- Proposed amendments could exclude Arab political parties from elections, significantly compromising democratic participation and paving the way for authoritarianism.
Deep dives
The Renewed Threat to Israeli Democracy
The Israeli government is reintroducing controversial judicial reforms that many view as a threat to democracy, following a pause related to ongoing conflicts. Activists like Dr. Meital Pinto argue that these reforms represent a significant shift towards a more authoritarian system. The recent bill passed by the Knesset alters the composition of the Judicial Appointments Committee, allowing political influence over judge selections. While this change avoids an automatic majority for the coalition, it creates a political landscape where judges may favor specific political ideologies, weakening the judiciary's independence.
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