Justice Minister Yariv Levin of the Likud hinted that he will not respect the High Court’s decision to reject the legal reform. However, Economy Minister Nir Barkat presented a different viewpoint, stating that he will respect the court’s decision as a language. Speaking at the International Gulf Regional Conference 2023 held in Haifa, Barkat supported the need for corrections in the legal system, including diversity of judges and acknowledging the human mosaic of Israeli society. He emphasized that there is no room for High Court intervention or invalidation of laws. However, he also believes that blindly walking towards a constitutional crisis is not the solution. Barkat pledged his commitment to preventing the disintegration of state institutions and turning Kiryat and Haifa into significant business centers. In contrast, Levin’s comments caused protests from the audience during the interview with Channel 14.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin (Likud) hinted last night that he will not respect the High Court’s decision if the latter rejects the legal reform. Today (Tuesday) Economy Minister Nir Barkat, also from Likud, addressed the issue, presenting a position opposite to Levin’s: “In the event that The High Court, God forbid, rejects the amendments, I will respect the court’s decision as a language.” Barkat said these things at the International Gulf Regional Conference 2023 which is being held at the Congress Center in Haifa.
“There is no justification”: Levin hinted that he will not respect the High Court’s decision if he rejects the reform
The horror scenario: what is a constitutional crisis and are we on our way there?
The softened offer (Photo: None)
In addition, Barkat said that “the corrections in the legal system in Israel are a necessity. Chief among them is the diversity of the judges and giving expression to the human mosaic that makes up Israeli society. I fully support the required corrections in the legal system and there is no room for the High Court’s intervention or the invalidation of the laws. At the same time, I do not support, on behalf of Ofen, a blind walk towards a constitutional crisis. For me, the interest of the State of Israel is above all else. I will not lend my voice and hand to the chaos in which the citizens of Israel will lose confidence in the government and justice systems at the same time. I believe that we will find the way with a broad consensus to diversify the composition of the judges for the benefit of the citizens of Israel.”
“As someone who fought for Israel and lost soldiers, I pledge that I will physically stop the killing of citizens and the disintegration of state institutions. With smart and correct work, we can turn Kiryat and Haifa into a large and significant business center,” he added. At the end of his words, protests arose from the audience and burst into singing “Hope”.
As mentioned, yesterday Minister Levin hinted in an interview with Channel 14 that he will not respect the High Court’s decision if the court rejects the legal reform. “There is no justification for such a thing,” he said. “This would be crossing any red line. As soon as the law passes and it becomes clear that we behaved attentively, but legislated without fear and without being threatened, this democratic decision will be respected and we will have a fair and just method of electing judges.”