The Judicial Overhaul: The Civilian Arena

The tension between the top political and military echelons against the background of the judicial overhaul underscores the need for defined, normative civil-military relations – for the good of national security

The Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in an urgent alert: The model of the IDF as the "people's army" is at risk of dissolution. This can result in a weakened military and lead Israel toward a precarious reality that jeopardizes the regional deterrence equation. Current developments coincide with escalating threats on various fronts. We call urgently for an immediate cessation of unilateral legislation, and urge that changes be pursued through a broad consensus.

The proposed changes to Israel’s judicial system are expected to have negative ramifications for the country’s Arab population. Nonetheless, the Arab public has for the most part distanced itself from the weekly protests, and the Arab leadership has not addressed in any detail the issue that has galvanized Israel’s Jewish public into action. Why is that, and might this trend change?

The State of Israel stands to experience significant demographic changes in the coming decades, with the major growth of the ultra-Orthodox population. The relatively low employment rate in this sector, along with the economic impact of the coalition agreements, brings Israel toward a dangerous situation of economic stagnation. What can be done so that the ominous economic forecast does not materialize?