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Economics

Plans to Weaken Israel’s Judiciary Are Spooking Tech Investors

Executives at unicorn startups and VCs are speaking out against elements of the new government’s agenda.

Tens of thousands gather in Tel Aviv to protest Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform plan on Jan. 14.

Tens of thousands gather in Tel Aviv to protest Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reform plan on Jan. 14.

Photographer: Eyal Warshavsky/SOPA Images/Sipa USA/AP Pho

Investors and leaders of Israel’s powerful technology sector are expressing concern that plans by the new government to weaken the judiciary will threaten the country’s liberal democracy and business-friendly environment.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government, sworn in last month, has pledged to give politicians greater influence over the appointment of Supreme Court justices and to limit the court’s oversight of the legislature.