Smotrich says High Court’s ‘forceful and divisive’ conduct proves need for judicial overhaul

Sam Sokol is the Times of Israel's political correspondent. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Justice Minister Yariv Levin attend a meeting on the planned state budget vote, in the Israeli parliament on May 23, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Justice Minister Yariv Levin attend a meeting on the planned state budget vote, in the Israeli parliament on May 23, 2023. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich issues a scathing critique of the High Court of Justice after it tells Justice Minister Yariv Levin to hasten preparations for a vote on the appointment of a new Supreme Court president and two new Supreme Court justices in the Judicial Selection Committee.

“The forceful and divisive conduct of the High Court of Justice judges who arrogantly reject any compromise proposal and ignore the majority of the people’s loss of trust in the judicial system only proves the need for reforms in the judicial system,” says Smotrich.

The leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party argues that a judicial overhaul is justified by “the disconnect that the judicial system has exhibited throughout the war in regards to security needs and the war effort: in going after our fighters, in concern for the imprisoned Hamas terrorists, and more.”

“We are committed to this fix for our future and the future of our children,” he adds.

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