Herzog: Most Israelis ‘deeply disgusted’ by calls to refuse to obey Supreme Court rulings

President Isaac Herzog implicitly criticizes cabinet ministers, MKs and others who have called on the government to ignore Supreme Court rulings, insisting there is “an absolute majority” of the public who are “deeply disgusted” by such sentiment.

Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for the new Supreme Court deputy president and 35 new judges and court registrars, Herzog also says he believes a clear majority of the public agrees on the need to “improve” the relationship between the different branches of government, in reference to the two-year-long battle the current government has fought to increase its authority over the judiciary.

“There is an absolute majority of the public which is deeply disgusted by alarming calls: for civil war, for refusing to obey the law, and for refusing to abide by court rulings,” says Herzog.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who is present at the ceremony, said earlier this week that if the High Court of Justice ruled to keep Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar in place the government should boycott him, a proposal echoed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Levin is already boycotting Supreme Court President Isaac Amit and refusing to recognize his election as head of the judiciary.

Continued Herzog: “There is also a majority in the public – a clear and distinct majority – which agrees that there is a need to improve the existing relationship between the branches of government, and to anchor this in broad agreements and Basic Laws.”

This majority of the public “cries out for discourse between the branches of government, for fruitful dialogue — even if it is sharp — and for an understanding that we have room to move forward in our governmental structure, and that the only way to do so is through listening, partnership, and reaching agreements.”