Over the past several weeks in Israel hundreds of thousands have gathered in the streets to protest the government’s judicial reform plans. Those who oppose the judicial reforms argue that the judicial system is a check on the government's use of power. To diminish the power of the judicial system is seen as a threat to democracy itself. Specifically, the government's plan allows for the Knesset to overrule Supreme Court decisions with a simple majority of one (61 votes out of the 120 seat Knesset), gives the government a decisive say over who becomes a judge, removes the power of the Supreme Court to judge Knesset legislation, appointments or other government decisions on the grounds of “reasonability”, and allows for ministers not to follow the advice of their legal advisors (who are guided by the attorney general). The country’s top labor federation announced a general strike which closed Ben Gurion airport as well as other major parts of the economy. Reservists in the Israeli army refused to report for duty. If the plan for judicial reform does go through some have said that they will refuse to serve in the Israeli army. Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz accused Netanyahu of carrying out “a constitutional coup” and undermining “the most foundational values” in Israel’s Declaration of Independence.” Proponents of judicial reform argue that there is an unhealthy imbalance of power between the government branches. Far from being a threat to democracy, these reforms will re
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