Israeli MK Slams Supreme Court President Over Handling of Arab Candidate

Knesset Member Yaakov Asher, chairman of the United Torah Judaism party, has sharply criticized Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit regarding the court's handling of Arab candidate Sami Abu Shehadeh. Asher accused Amit of showing excessive concern and delicacy towards Abu Shehadeh, suggesting the court pressured him to withdraw his candidacy rather than face disqualification. Asher stated that Amit's approach seemed designed to spare Abu Shehadeh a disqualification precedent, implying the judge was unwilling to accept a ruling against the candidate.

In his criticism, Asher contrasted this perceived leniency with the court's past actions concerning the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) public. "Where was this sensitivity when discussions involved Haredi children? Where was the empathy when budgets were cut and an entire public was harmed?" Asher questioned. He further alleged that Justice Amit has previously shown contempt for the Haredi community, mocking those who use kosher phones and calling a large segment of the population "strange people."

Asher drew a stark comparison between Amit's alleged past dismissiveness towards the Haredi community and his current approach to Abu Shehadeh, who Asher noted had praised the October 7th massacre. "But when someone who praised the October 7th massacre comes before him, suddenly consideration and politeness arrive," Asher remarked, highlighting what he sees as a double standard.