Delay in selecting judges; "A deal that isn't good won't happen""

November 23, 2021   

Justice Minister Gideon Saar announced today (Tuesday) the postponement of the meeting of the Judicial Selection Committee, which was intended to select judges for the Supreme Court. "Despite many efforts made to reach an agreement to select judges in accordance with the law, this has not been successful at this time," said Saar, who serves as the committee's chairman. "As Minister of Justice, I am aware of the responsibility I have for a balanced election that will shape the image of the highest court for years to come. Realizing this responsibility requires, on the one hand, compromises and, on the other hand, a choice that will reflect the pursuit of diversity and balance in the composition of the Supreme Court. I will not be able to realize this responsibility by adopting a 'election at any cost' approach. I hope that we can reach the necessary understandings and agreements in the near future." The announcement of the postponement of the meeting comes against the backdrop of reports of differences of opinion between the right-wing representatives on the committee regarding the candidates who should be appointed to the four seats that are vacating on the court. The right-wing representatives on the committee, Rotman and Shaked, are trying to create a 'deal' in which two conservative and two activist judges will be elected to the Supreme Court. For now, Sa'ar prefers to join forces with Supreme Court President Esther Hayut, and appoint three judges who are identified with progressive positions. Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, a member of the The Judicial Appointments Committee said: "A deal that is not good will not happen. The Minister of Justice did well to postpone the committee's discussion.".