The Religious Zionism party, headed by Minister Bezalel Smotrich, unveiled on Tuesday a comprehensive plan for changes to the judicial system and for regulating relations between the Knesset, the government, and the judiciary.
The party announced that implementation of the plan will be a prerequisite for joining the coalition in the next Knesset term.
The plan is being spearheaded by Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee Chairman MK Simcha Rothman. According to the party, its goal is to maintain an independent and professional judicial system alongside a government and Knesset capable of exercising their powers, while establishing rules governing relations between the branches of government, increasing oversight and transparency, and protecting individual rights.
AFSI Insight
We are glad to see the judicial reform initiative being brought to the forefront again. Smotrich’s and Rothman’s judicial reform plan is an important step toward restoring democratic accountability, governmental authority, and the proper balance among Israel’s branches of government. AFSI supports efforts to ensure that elected officials—not unelected judges and bureaucrats—have the ability to govern and legislate within clearly defined constitutional boundaries. The proposed reforms are particularly significant as Israel prepares to appoint a large number of Supreme Court justices and other senior legal officials whose decisions could shape the country for decades.
Israel needs a judicial system that protects individual rights while respecting the authority of the elected government and Knesset. Restoring that balance is essential to strengthening Israeli democracy and Israel’s ability to defend its national interests.
Source:
Smotrich unveils plan for judicial system, by Hezki Baruch/Israel National News, September 15, 2026