Netanyahu's Decades-Long Rule Redefined Israel's Political and Judicial Landscape
Benjamin Netanyahu has reshaped Israel’s institutions, pushing the country further right through judicial reforms, religious court expansion, and controversial legislation.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has left a lasting imprint on the nation’s institutions by championing right-wing and religious factions within his coalition. His tenure saw the expansion of religious courts into civil matters and record funding for ultra-Orthodox institutions, while the 2018 Nation-State Basic Law cemented a Jewish-only identity for the state. Netanyahu’s government restructured the Judicial Selection Committee to grant the ruling coalition greater sway over judges, prompting mass protests that describe the change as a judicial coup.
He also appointed loyalists to senior security posts and clashed with officials he deemed antagonistic, leading to a defamation suit by former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. Meanwhile, three corruption cases from 2019 and an International Criminal Court war-crimes warrant loom over his bid for re-election in the upcoming October 27 polls.
Why it matters
Netanyahu’s reforms and legal challenges could reshape Israel’s democracy and affect regional stability.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Netanyahu urges fragmented right-wing parties to merge ahead of October election
- Oct 7 Families of victims rallied across Israel demanding an inquiry into the October 7 response.
- Oct 7 A civilian‑led memorial ceremony was held at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv.
- Oct 15 Journalist Yinon Magal pressed Yashar party chairman Gadi Eisenkot about the need for a Palestinian Authority during a live interview on Radio 103FM.
- Oct 18 Donald Trump publicly backed Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection bid, saying the Israeli leader is essential to counter Iran and that a different premier would force the United States to take on more of the conflict.
- Oct 18 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump on Sunday for his support ahead of the parliamentary elections on 27 October.
- Oct 18 Trump posted his endorsement of Netanyahu on Truth Social.
- Oct 19 Netanyahu warned Israel could face a hostile U.S. president after Trump’s term.
- Oct 19 Trump warned that a different Israeli leader could compel the United States to intervene against Iran.
- Oct 20 Vice President JD Vance announced he will not support Netanyahu in the Israeli election.
- Oct 21 Channel 12 poll shows 64% of voters say Trump’s endorsement will not affect their vote, 17% say it reduces support for Netanyahu, and 12% say it reinforces support.
- Oct 22 Former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar filed a libel lawsuit claiming he warned Netanyahu before the Oct 7 assault.
- Oct 22 Eisenkot has floated a minority‑government plan and the campaign now features a dispute over Palestinian statehood.
- Oct 24 A recent poll shows Eisenkot ahead of Netanyahu.
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