79 New Judges Sworn In Amidst Government-Judiciary Tensions

Seventy-nine new judges were sworn in on Monday to various Israeli courts, including Magistrate, District, and Labor courts. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the President's Residence and was attended by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, and President Isaac Herzog.

While these appointments fill positions in lower courts, no judges were appointed to the Supreme Court due to ongoing disputes over the judicial selection process and permanent appointments. Justice Minister Levin, in his address, welcomed the new judges, stating their diverse backgrounds represent a "revolution" in the judiciary, moving away from a "closed and homogeneous" system.

However, Levin also criticized what he termed "stubborn and continuous refusal" regarding Supreme Court appointments, alleging that excellent candidates are rejected solely based on differing legal agendas. He asserted that the Knesset's changes to the judicial selection method represent a balanced compromise and vowed that during the next Knesset term, approximately two-thirds of Supreme Court justices will be up for selection, emphasizing the need for broad representation.

Supreme Court President Amit stressed the importance of judicial independence, adherence to law, and strengthening the judiciary as a professional, independent branch free from political affiliation. President Herzog highlighted the significance of statehood and the need for broad consensus to prevent public division and preserve the judiciary's standing.

A visible tension was noted during the event as Minister Levin and President Amit avoided shaking hands, illustrating the depth of their disagreement.