New Likud proposal would see cabinet given power to select judges

Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin of Likud is proposing a radical change to the method of judge selection in Israel.

The proposal would see the cabinet selecting justices, giving it unprecedented power over the judicial system — instead of the current panel that includes members of the government and Knesset, and members of the court and Israel Bar Association.

Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin nullifies vote calling for inquiry into submarine affair, October 21, 2020. (Shmulik Grossman/Knesset)

Such a proposal is seen as entirely unlikely to pass in the current Knesset, but with the country likely to go to new elections within months, such a proposal could lead Likud’s charge at the polls.

Controversially, it comes as the leader of Likud, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stands trial in three criminal cases.