Supreme Court Chief Says Israel Is in a Regime Shift Amid Judges Panel Debate

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit said during a debate on the law governing the Judicial Selection Committee, "We are in a regime change." His remark came as lawmakers discussed changes to the body that appoints judges.

Justice Minister Gideon Sa'ar, who led the legislation, replied that Amit's comment about his preferred committee makeup "puts the court in the shoes of the Knesset" and "does not sit with basic respect for the legislative branch." Sa'ar said that a posture rejecting compromises and moderate reforms would eventually lead to more radical changes later.

The law at issue changes the composition of the Judicial Selection Committee and creates a balance of veto rights between the coalition and the opposition. The debate centers on how judges should be chosen and how much influence each side should retain in the appointment process.