menu-control
The Jerusalem Post

High Court acts against Justice Minister Levin over controversial appointment decision

 
 Israeli minister of Justice Yariv Levin speaks at a swearing in ceremony for newly appointed judges at the President's residence in Jerusalem, on April 18, 2024.  (photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Israeli minister of Justice Yariv Levin speaks at a swearing in ceremony for newly appointed judges at the President's residence in Jerusalem, on April 18, 2024.
(photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)

This follows the petition submitted by the Movement for Quality government, which claims that the Justice Minister refuses to convene the Judicial Selection Committee.

The High Court of Justice on Thursday issued a temporary injunction to a petition filed by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG),  ordering Justice Minister Yariv Levin to explain why he was not refusing to convene the Judicial Selection Committee to appoint a new president and justices for the Supreme Court.

The MQG argued that the justice minister refuses to convene the committee under improper motives and intends to harm the independence of the judiciary and the system of checks and balances.

Also, for the first time in Israel’s history, Levin ignored the tradition of choosing the oldest judge for the position of president of the Supreme Court.

A hearing on the petition will be held on July 2 where Levin will be required to explain his conduct and justify why he is not complying with the law’s provisions.

Advertisement

Movement for Quality Government's petition 

Attorney Hiddai Negev, Head of MQG’s Policy and Legislation Department said that “the speed with which the High Court issued its conditional order indicates the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to stop the damage to the foundations of democracy.”

A vote for representatives for the judicial selection committee at the plenum of the Knesset in Jerusalem, July 12, 2023.  (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)
A vote for representatives for the judicial selection committee at the plenum of the Knesset in Jerusalem, July 12, 2023. (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

“It seems that the justice minister is determined to continue the political takeover of the judicial system and continues to act in bad faith and for extraneous considerations aimed at undermining public trust in the judiciary,” he said. 

×
Email:
×
Email: