Skip to main content

Political crisis proves Israel needs constitution

Ignoring Israel’s laws and rules and in order to avoid complying with the High Court’s directives, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein chose to resign.
Israelis hold national flags during a demonstration against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's caretaker government, accusing it of undemocratic measures, outside the parliament in Jerusalem March 23, 2020 REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun - RC2QPF9E73ES

The term “anarchy” was ubiquitous this past week in Israel’s political discourse, unrelated to criticism of the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis. Senior representatives of the executive branch talked about “anarchy.” For example, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said that even though his Likud party disagrees with the Supreme Court’s ruling ordering Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein to urgently convene the plenary to elect a new speaker, “we will not reach a state of anarchy.” Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan and Agriculture Minister Tzachi Hanegbi, both of the Likud, expressed similar viewpoints. Blue and White leader Benny Gantz urged Interim Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “to tell the people of Israel in no uncertain terms that Supreme Court rulings must be obeyed and that there will be no anarchy in Israel.”

On the other hand, Tourism Minister Yariv Levin of the Likud accused the justices of “leading Israel to anarchy.” Levin, a lawyer, added, "If Chief Justice [Esther] Hayut wants to put herself above the Knesset, she is invited to arrive to the building with her guards and open the session herself.” Levin also claimed that “a handful of judges who elect each other behind closed doors have declared a political coup.” In other words, Levin is arguing that a group of regime opponents are plotting within the nation’s top court to unseat the prime minister and to do so, this cabal is willing to smash one of the foundation stones of Israeli democracy — the separation of powers between the judicial and legislative branches of government.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.