Basic Law

Herzog weighs clemency option tied to hostage deal, though no decision made yet

The President’s Residence said a request had been received that relies on past precedent and that any decision would be taken only following a full inter-agency review and legal opinions.

Israel's president Isaac Herzog at the opening ceremony of the new Knesset museum, in Jerusalem on August 11, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamn Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz at the swearing in of the new government

Knesset approves bill cancelling option to form 'rotation governments'

 Israeli attorney general Gali Baharav Miara at a farewell ceremony for retiring acting Supreme Court President Uzi Vogelman, at the Supreme Court in Jerusalem on October 1, 2024.

Attorney-General grants authorities permission to carry out investigation of PMO - report

 A road sign shows the way towards the US embassy in Jerusalem on April 19, 2024.

Bill passes to prevent opening US consulate in Jerusalem to service Palestinians


The haredi draft crisis that will not disappear: A look at Israel's 'Amendment No. 26'

The main haredi argument against enlisting their youth to military service is that the study of the Torah and prayers to God are more important to Israel’s security than the IDF.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu attends the debate and vote on legislation regarding haredi enlistment in the military, in the Knesset plenum, last week.

Israeli government violating Basic Law by delaying state budget

The issue came up in the Knesset plenum on Wednesday during a debate over two law proposals, both by MKs from the Labor party.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity leader MK Benny Gantz are seen moving to shake hands in the Knesset amid the vote on the controversial reasonableness standard bill, in Jerusalem, on Monday, July 24, 2023.

Israel is at a dangerous political junction

The overwhelming majority supporting the court’s bold and potentially perilous intervention in the Basic Law underscores a shared perspective among the judges appointed to the Supreme Court. 

 JUSTICE MINISTER Yariv Levin speaks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Knesset plenum last month. In its decision, the High Court essentially dissolves the Knesset, irrespective of the individuals occupying its seats, the writer argues.

Israeli courts keep politics balanced - opinion

When you look past the dramatic decision to strike down a Basic Law, the ruling makes a clear and unprecedented statement about the limits of Knesset power.

 THE JUSTICES hold a High Court hearing on petitions against the reasonableness standard law, in September.

High Court votes to delay implementation of Basic Law amendment

Six out of 11 judges voted to delay the implementation.

 Hearing at the High Court of Nazareth, the Supreme Court, September 28, 2023

Weirdly, there’s nothing special about Israel’s Basic Laws - opinion

You want a judicial reform? Change the ridiculous Basic Laws setup to require a supermajority to pass and amend them.

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and National Unity leader MK Benny Gantz are seen moving to shake hands in the Knesset amid the vote on the controversial reasonableness standard bill, in Jerusalem, on Monday, July 24, 2023.

Why did court make reasonableness standard decision in wartime? - comment

When every day soldiers are dying and fighting side by side – Rightists and Leftists, secular and religious – the last thing the country needs is a reignition of old divisions.

Supreme Court Judge Uzi Vogelman

Why is the court striking down the reasonableness law now? - analysis

The High Court struck down a basic law for the first time, essentially killing the main achievement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposed 2023 judicial reform.

 Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a vote on the reasonableness bill at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem on July 24, 2023.

The judicial reform is a wholesale uprooting of the judiciary's power - opinion

This specific amendment is not a limitation placed upon the judiciary’s power of review over acts of the executive. It is indeed the uprooting of this power.

The writer wonders whether all the High Court justices themselves understand the severity of the reasonableness standard amendment.

'Veil of ignorance': Israel's A-G attacks Netanyahu's protection law

"The amendment to the Basic Law was made... with the aim of influencing [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's] pending legal proceeding."

 (L-R) Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Knesset speaker calls to replace High Court if reasonableness law struck down

Knesset speaker Amir Ohana has suggested swapping the High Court with a "constitutional court."

 Knesset speaker Amir Ohana holds a press conference at the Knesset in Jerusalem. September 6, 2023.