Middle East & Africa | Judges’ dread

Binyamin Netanyahu rushes to take on Israel’s Supreme Court

Reforms of the judiciary may profoundly affect Israel’s democracy

A man wears handcuffs and a mask depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as he takes part in a protest against Netanyahu's new right-wing coalition and its proposed judicial reforms to reduce powers of the Supreme Court in Tel Aviv, Israel January 14, 2023. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
Image: Reuters
|JERUSALEM

BINYAMIN NETANYAHU’S latest government has lost no time getting to work. Much attention has been paid to the far right and ultra-religious parties in his coalition, which have won control of big ministries. But the appointment of Yariv Levin, a member of Mr Netanyahu’s Likud party, as justice minister may have the most profound effect on Israeli democracy.

This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Judges’ dread”

From the January 21st 2023 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from Middle East & Africa

Bottles of Pedro's premium Ogogoro

West African booze is becoming a luxury product

Female entrepreneurs are leading the charge

A Palestinian inspects the damage at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Al-Maghazi in Gaza

First, the ceasefire. Next the Trump effect could upend the Middle East

Will Israel and Donald Trump use the threat of annexation to secure a new grand bargain?


Palestinians celebrate the announcement of a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel

After 15 months of hell, Israel and Hamas sign a ceasefire deal

Donald Trump provided the X factor by putting heat on Binyamin Netanyahu, who insists the war isn’t over yet


A hidden refuge in Sudan that the internet, banks—and war—can’t reach

A visit to the Nuba mountains provides a glimpse into the future of the country

Violent jihadists are getting frustrated by the new Syria

Tipsy dancers, Christmas decorations, Shias and women’s rights are in the crosshairs

America concludes genocide has been committed in Sudan—again

The move highlights the magnitude of Sudan’s civil war but does little to end it