Knesset's Rotman Prioritizes Override Clause to Limit Supreme Court Power
Smotrich Party Chairman and Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee head, MK Simcha Rotman, stated in a Radio Morasha interview that any Supreme Court ruling contradicting the law is entirely invalid. He emphasized that the Supreme Court understands its power limits and that the override clause will be a top priority in the next Knesset session. Rotman highlighted a significant shift in the elected branches' approach toward judicial intervention, noting that the government and Knesset increasingly recognize the court's limited authority to decide on all matters. He pointed out that despite numerous petitions against government appointments and decisions, elected officials have shown greater resolve against legal advisors and the court's positions.
Rotman explained that only a few of the dozens of laws advanced in the Constitution Committee faced judicial intervention. He insisted that rulings opposing the law lack any authority since the court has no mandate to issue such decisions. Regarding whether to ignore certain Supreme Court rulings, Rotman said the law grants the court its authority, so when a ruling contradicts legislation, the legislator's provisions should prevail. He also mentioned that the state sometimes need not respond to petitions as part of the struggle over the court's jurisdiction.
On political matters, Rotman dismissed the need for a joint run of the Religious Zionism party with Otzma Yehudit, citing his party's significant achievements and confidence in voter support. On ultra-Orthodox conscription, he noted no ideological dispute within the religious-Zionist public about expanding service but disagreement on how to achieve it, criticizing some measures as counterproductive and calling for a structured plan for gradual change. Finally, Rotman expressed openness to forming a broad national coalition including all Zionist parties but excluded MK Ofer Cassif. He voiced concern over MK Gadi Eisenkot's political stance and its potential negative impact on government achievements in settlement, security, economy, and judiciary sectors.
