Former Israeli Supreme Court Justice Edna Arbel Passes Away at 82

Edna Arbel, a former Supreme Court Justice and State Attorney of Israel, died at the age of 82. Arbel served in senior judicial roles for over 30 years and was a prominent figure in Israel's legal system, known for her strong stance against governmental corruption and her defense of the rule of law and human rights. She was widowed from her husband Uri and is survived by three daughters.

Born in Jerusalem in June 1944 and raised in Haifa, Arbel completed her law degree at the Hebrew University in 1967 and later earned a master's degree from Bar-Ilan University. She began her public service career in 1972 in the Central District Prosecutor's Office. In the 1980s, she participated in key legal investigations, including the Sabra and Shatila inquiry and the Kav 300 affair, and also taught criminology and criminal law.

Arbel was appointed Central District Attorney in 1984 and became a judge in 1988. She served as a district court judge until 1996, when she was appointed State Attorney and also acted as interim Attorney General. During her tenure, she recommended indictments against prominent politicians including Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert, though some cases were closed or ended in acquittals. She also recommended charges against Benjamin Netanyahu in two cases, but no indictments were filed.

Despite political opposition, including allegations related to her husband's attempted appointment to a government company, Arbel was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2004 alongside Elyakim Rubinstein. On the bench, she supported revoking the appointment of convicted minister Haim Ramon, opposed acquittals in sexual assault cases, and ruled against private prisons and disproportionate detention of African migrants. She also upheld convictions of former President Moshe Katsav and called for further review in the case of Roman Zadorov.

Arbel retired in 2014 at age 70, emphasizing in her farewell speech the critical fight against corruption and the importance of preserving Israel's democratic character, minority rights, and the rule of law. After retirement, she continued contributing to the legal community through a volunteer advisory committee assisting in judicial appointments.