Basic Law: The Judiciary חוק יסוד: השפיטה

Key provisions

• Judicial power vested in courts; judges subject only to the law
• Supreme Court sits in Jerusalem; functions as both court of appeal and as the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) for petitions against state authorities
• Judges appointed by the President on recommendation of a nine-member Judicial Selection Committee (3 Supreme Court justices, 2 Israel Bar Association representatives, 2 ministers including the Justice Minister, 2 MKs traditionally one coalition and one opposition)
• Judicial service ends through retirement, resignation, an incompatible appointment, a decision of at least seven Selection Committee members, or a disciplinary-court decision.
• Public hearings unless otherwise provided by law

Notable amendments

• 2023: An amendment barred reasonableness review of decisions by the government, Prime Minister and ministers.
• 2024: The Supreme Court invalidated that amendment by 8–7; 12 of 15 judges recognized a power to review Basic Laws in exceptional cases.

Today

A 27 March 2025 amendment, passed 67–1, replaces the Bar Association's two committee seats with lawyers chosen by the coalition and opposition. It is scheduled to take effect with the next Knesset; the existing nine-member composition applies before then.