Basic Law

This time, the Supreme Court must not blink - opinion

In every election cycle, a familiar scenario unfolds in which the Central Elections Committee disqualifies parties from running for the Knesset, a decision that has almost always been overturned.

Central Elections Committee Chairman, Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, leads a hearing on a request to disqualify Balad chairman Sami Abu Shehadeh at the Central Elections Committee at the Knesset in Jerusalem, September 23, 2026.
Head of the Balad party MK Sami Abu Shehadeh arrives to cast his vote a voting station, on November 1, 2022; illustrative.

Balad chairman barred from running in election following 31-4 Central Elections Committee vote

 MK Ofer Cassif attends a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on January 30, 2024

Election panel votes to bar Ofer Cassif from Knesset race, Supreme Court review set for next week

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara arrive to cast their vote at a polling station in Jerusalem, August 17, 2026

Israel’s next government must save the country before it is too late - opinion


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.

Knesset approves bill cancelling option to form 'rotation governments'

The law was passed after discussions that lasted several weeks and ended with agreements between the coalition and the opposition.

Prime Minister Benjamn Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz at the swearing in of the new government

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

Following the Attorney General's decision to grant approval, investigators are authorized to proceed with investigative actions against the prime minister.

 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.

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

According to the bill's explanatory section, the law only applies to new embassies, and existing embassies will remain in place.

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

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.