Supreme Court President Isaac Amit told an expanded High Court panel on Sunday that the proposed changes to the Judicial Selection Committee constitute a 'regime change,' according to Israeli media. The hearing, before an 11-justice panel, is examining petitions against a Basic Law amendment that would replace Israel Bar Association representatives with Knesset appointees.
Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit escalated his rhetoric during Sunday's High Court hearing on the judicial selection reform, warning that the proposed changes amount to 'a regime change,' according to reports from N12.
The comment came during a day of intense legal proceedings before an expanded 11-justice panel examining petitions against the Basic Law amendment that would strip judges of their veto over Supreme Court appointments and replace Israel Bar Association representatives on the selection committee with political appointees from the Knesset. The hearing is the first full-day session on the substance of the petitions, following preliminary discussions earlier in the day.
Earlier on Sunday, Amit asserted the court's authority to review and strike down Basic Laws, signaling the stakes of the confrontation between the judiciary and the coalition. The outcome of the hearing could set a major precedent for the separation of powers in Israel. A ruling is not expected immediately.
2 developments
- DevelopingSupreme Court President warns political appointments will reshape judiciary within 15 years
- StrongChief Justice asserts High Court can strike Basic Laws as 11-justice panel hears selection reform
- DevelopingSaar defends judicial selection reform as 'moderate,' warns radical changes will follow compromise rejection
- StrongExpanded 11-justice High Court panel opens hearing on judicial selection reform
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