Supreme Court President Criticizes Knesset Over Voting Rights for Elderly

On Tuesday, Israel's Supreme Court, led by President Isaac Amit, reviewed petitions against the Knesset's decision to cancel a temporary provision that required polling stations in nursing homes, assisted living, and senior housing complexes. Amit expressed strong disapproval of the Knesset's choice not to renew this provision, emphasizing that it harms the voting rights of elderly citizens. He contrasted this with the continued protection of maritime workers' voting rights, noting that while the number of seafarers is decreasing, attention should be focused on safeguarding seniors' rights.

Amit praised the previous arrangement, which mandated polling stations in any institution housing at least 75 residents, stating it worked well in past elections and lamented its absence this time. He described the Knesset's move as a regression, saying, "This is the first time the Knesset is going backward instead of expanding rights, and we can only regret it."

The chairman of the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, Simcha Rothman, responded sharply, accusing Amit of misunderstanding democracy and dismissing the court's discussion as absurd. Rothman criticized the need for broad consensus in the Knesset to renew the provision, calling it a frustration for dictators and labeling the court and its judge as "absurd."

Amit's remarks sparked controversy on social media, with many right-wing commentators accusing him of misunderstanding democratic principles and wanting majority rule only when it benefits him.