A dramatic confrontation unfolds in Israel's Judicial Selection Committee as three Supreme Court justices challenge Justice Minister Yariv Levin's unprecedented move.
According to The Times of Israel, Acting Supreme Court President Isaac Amit and Justices Daphne Barak Erez and Noam Sohlberg walked out of a committee meeting after Levin invited external experts to weigh in on proposed changes to judicial selection practices.
The walkout represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Levin and the judiciary. This protest action specifically targets Levin's attempts to modify long-standing judicial appointment procedures and his proposal to broadcast committee deliberations.
The three justices had previously expressed their opposition through a formal letter to Levin, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of involving external experts in committee proceedings. Their stance reflects a broader concern about maintaining established judicial traditions and institutional independence.
Levin's invitation to conservative legal academics Prof. Talia Einhorn, Dr. Shuki Segev, and Prof. Gidi Sapir, along with conservative MK Simcha Rothman, signals his continued efforts to reshape the judiciary.
These experts were asked to comment on both the broadcasting of deliberations and the traditional seniority system for appointing court presidents.
The conflict centers particularly on Levin's attempt to bypass the seniority system, which would traditionally position Justice Amit, known for his liberal views, as the next court president. This move appears aimed at facilitating the appointment of hardline conservative Yosef Elron to the position.
The Judicial Authority explained that the justices' departure was partially motivated by a conflict of interest regarding the seniority system discussion. However, they are expected to return once the external experts conclude their presentations.
The justices specifically stated in their letter to Levin:
That is how it has always been, and our position is that these arrangements should not be changed.
This development comes as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a contempt of court case against Levin later in the day. The minister failed to schedule a mandatory vote for appointing a new Supreme Court president, defying a September court order that required action by November.
The situation has evolved into a significant constitutional challenge, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions. Levin's proposed changes represent a fundamental shift in how Israel's highest court operates and how its leadership is selected.
Three Supreme Court justices - Isaac Amit, Daphne Barak Erez, and Noam Sohlberg - walked out of a Judicial Selection Committee meeting to protest Justice Minister Yariv Levin's invitation of external experts to discuss changes to judicial selection practices. The protest occurred during a crucial meeting where traditional appointment procedures and broadcasting policies were under discussion.
The High Court of Justice is set to address Levin's non-compliance with a previous court order regarding the appointment of a new Supreme Court president while the minister continues his push to restructure judicial selection processes and potentially bypass the seniority system for court leadership appointments. The outcome of this confrontation could significantly impact Israel's judicial system and its traditional independence.
