Former Israeli Supreme Court Justice Edna Arbel Passes Away at 82

Edna Arbel, a former Supreme Court justice and Israel's former Attorney General, died at the age of 82. Arbel served in senior judicial roles for over 30 years and was widely recognized for her dedication to fighting governmental corruption, upholding the rule of law, and protecting human rights. She was a prominent figure in Israel's legal system for more than four decades and left behind three daughters.

Born in Jerusalem in June 1944 and raised in Haifa, Arbel studied law at the Hebrew University’s Tel Aviv branch while serving in the military. After completing her law degree in 1967 and qualifying as a lawyer, she transitioned from private practice to public service in 1972, joining the Central District Attorney’s Office while pursuing a master's degree at Bar-Ilan University.

During the 1980s, Arbel participated in key legal investigations, including the Sabra and Shatila inquiry and the 'Line 300' affair. She also taught criminology and criminal law at Tel Aviv University and Ono Academic College. In 1984, she was appointed Central District Attorney and became a judge in 1988. She served as a district court judge until 1996 when she was appointed Attorney General, also acting as interim Legal Adviser to the government.

As Attorney General, Arbel recommended indictments against Prime Ministers Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert, though these cases were ultimately closed or resulted in acquittals. She also recommended charges against Benjamin Netanyahu in two cases, but no indictments were filed. Her appointment to the Supreme Court in 2004 faced political opposition, including allegations involving her late husband, Uri, which she denied.

On the Supreme Court, Arbel 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 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 the importance of combating corruption and preserving Israel’s democratic character and human rights.

After retirement, she remained active in public legal affairs, contributing to a judicial advisory committee assisting in the selection and promotion of judges. Arbel was remembered for her lifelong commitment to legal integrity and public service.