Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi called for abolishing Israel's High Court of Justice and establishing a new justice system aligned with the will of the people and their elected representatives, speaking at a cornerstone-laying ceremony in Jerusalem for an alternative judicial body dubiously styled the 'Supreme Court of Justice for Truth,' according to the source affiliated with the Israeli right.
Minister Karhi's remarks came at a ceremony held Monday directly opposite the High Court of Justice in Jerusalem, where a cornerstone was laid for what proponents call the 'Supreme Court of Justice for Truth' — a mock alternative institution that critics in the legal establishment and opposition have dismissed as a political provocation. The event, which included Deputy Minister Israel Eichler, drew no official government or judicial recognition.
Karhi used the platform to reiterate his long-standing call for a systemic overhaul of the judiciary, saying the current High Court has overstepped its democratic mandate and should be replaced. The minister framed the initiative as part of a broader campaign to restore public trust and governability — themes he has pressed in recent Knesset committee debates and public appearances, including his June 16 statement that the 'left's media monopoly' must be broken.
The Zioneer reported earlier Monday that a cornerstone was already laid for this alternative court; the current account adds Karhi's specific call to abolish the HCJ — a major escalation of rhetoric even by his standards. The message did not specify whether the minister was speaking on behalf of the government or in a personal capacity. No official government source has confirmed the initiative, and no legislation or formal proposal has been introduced in the Knesset. The High Court itself continues to operate and has not commented.
The ceremony took place against the backdrop of an escalating confrontation between the coalition and the judiciary, including an expanded 11-justice High Court panel that on Sunday heard petitions against the coalition's judicial selection reform, and Justice Minister Levin's demand that the Knesset strip the court of authority over Basic Laws.
3 developments
- DevelopingMinister Karhi says High Court may nullify general election results if it disapproves
- StrongIsraeli judges sharply criticise Shlomo Karhi and resigned council members over bid to block prior decisions
- DevelopingLevin demands immediate Knesset vote to strip High Court of authority over Basic Laws
- DevelopingMinister Karhi accuses opposition of trying to sabotage media reform by leaning on law enforcement
Source and signal
- Internal intake