Yesh Atid Party Faces Internal Conflict Over Appointed Judge Role

Member of Knesset (MK) Mickey Levi announced on Monday that he will not run on the Yesh Atid party list in the upcoming Knesset elections. Levi revealed that he had agreed with party chairman Yair Lapid to take on a new role as the presiding judge of the party's internal court. However, an examination of the party's bylaws indicates that Levi does not meet the eligibility requirements for the position.

Levi stated he had a "personal and moving meeting" with Lapid, during which they agreed he would not be on the election list. Lapid then asked Levi to serve as presiding judge, an offer Levi accepted. Yet, Article 95 of the Yesh Atid bylaws stipulates that the presiding judge must be a retired judge or a lawyer with at least 15 years of experience. Levi, who is neither, does not meet these criteria. The bylaws also require other judges to have at least seven years of legal experience, which Levi also does not fulfill.

Beyond the eligibility issue, the appointment process itself appears problematic. Levi indicated that Lapid requested he take the role and they reached an agreement. However, Article 95 clearly states that the appointment of the presiding judge and court members is not solely the prerogative of the party chairman. The party's management committee is responsible for appointing the presiding judge and court members.

Levi affirmed his continued commitment to Yesh Atid, stating, "I will not be on the list, but I am staying with Yesh Atid." Despite his loyalty, the newly announced judicial role conflicts with both the qualification standards and the prescribed appointment procedure outlined in the party's regulations.