The High Court of Justice today (Monday) rejected the request to determine that there was contempt of court in the matter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conflict of interest settlement - ruling that the procedural framework of the Contempt of Court Ordinance is not suitable for discussing the claims raised in the request.
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In doing so, the High Court accepted the position of Legal Advisor to the Prime Minister Gali Baharav-Miara, who believed that Netanyahu did not dishonor the court, even though he announced that he would intervene in legal reform despite his conflict of interest arrangement.
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""The court ruled that a request under the Contempt of Court Ordinance is not appropriate for discussing claims raised regarding the Prime Minister's involvement in legislative initiatives concerning the judicial system," it said. "However, the decision clarified that even in situations where the Contempt of Court Ordinance does not apply, 'everyone is obligated to respect court rulings,' and a fortiori, this can be expected from the state and any governmental entity.".
The court reiterated that in the area of conflict of interest arrangements – as in other areas – the opinion of the Legal Advisor to the Government is binding on the Prime Minister and the members of the government, unless the court determines otherwise.
Netanyahu spoke this afternoon in the Knesset plenary and addressed the legal reform: "We saw the support for the huge demonstration on Thursday and we also see the demonstrations on the other side. This is a testament to our vibrant democracy. We are determined to reach the broadest possible agreements on the issue of legal reform, which is at the heart of the public controversy in Israel.".
'"The majority of Israeli citizens understand that changes are needed in the legal system, and this was also supported by a majority of 64 seats that voted in favor of a government led by me. I believe that with good will and true willingness on both sides, these agreements can be reached.".
