Former Israeli Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General Edna Arbel Dies at 82

Edna Arbel, former Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General of Israel, passed away at the age of 82. She is survived by three daughters and grandchildren. Arbel began her career as a private lawyer before joining the State Attorney's Office, where she contributed to the Cohen Committee investigating the Sabra and Shatila massacre and authored a report on the Bus 300 affair. After serving as a judge in the Tel Aviv District Court, she was appointed Attorney General, overseeing major indictments and investigations involving ministers and prime ministers.

In 2004, Arbel was appointed to the Supreme Court, serving for about a decade before retiring. She chaired the 2000 Prosecutors Committee and led a panel that developed an ethical code for prosecutors. Arbel also participated in international discussions on the International Criminal Court in Rome, The Hague, and Strasbourg. She represented the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General on various committees and taught criminology and criminal law at Tel Aviv University and Ono Academic College.

President Isaac Herzog mourned her passing, highlighting her decades of public service, commitment to justice, and respect for human dignity. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also expressed condolences, recognizing her as a significant figure in Israeli law and public service. Both leaders extended sympathies to her family and admirers.