Title: MK Tali Gottlieb Launches Scathing Attack on Supreme Court in Radio Interview
Subtitle: Petitions against amendment to Basic Law: the Judiciary causes controversy
In a recent radio interview with Gadi Ness on Radio North 104.5FM, Member of Knesset (MK) Tali Gottlieb launched a sharp critique of the Supreme Court and its leadership. Gottlieb’s comments come in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 13.5-hour session as the High Court of Justice to discuss petitions against amendment number 3 to the Basic Law: the Judiciary regarding the reason for reasonableness.
During the interview, Gottlieb expressed her concerns about the integrity of the Supreme Court. She referred to a statement made by President Hayut and accused a Supreme Court judge of lying in court about the threat scenarios concerning the flotilla house authority. Gottlieb questioned why Ahmed Tibi was allowed to be in the Knesset while Shikli was not, highlighting what she perceived as biased decision-making.
Gottlieb went on to criticize the perceived arrogance of the court and accused the left of thinking that they have a monopoly on wisdom. She argued that judges do not have the authority to cancel or interfere with laws, quoting former Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion to support her stance.
The MK also discussed the Declaration of Independence, stating that it had not been formally voted on but was instead a political manifesto. She accused some of the judges of lacking legal knowledge and understanding, stating that their questions were basic and could be understood by anyone.
Regarding the Encroachment Law, Gottlieb claimed that the Supreme Court, not the Knesset, had been damaging democracy. She expressed frustration at the court’s intervention in matters that were not within its jurisdiction and criticized their decisions for harming the citizens of Israel.
Gottlieb concluded by asserting that the Supreme Court must adhere to the law and not consider itself above it. She argued that judges have no authority to interfere in fundamental laws and customs and criticized President Hayut for claiming to care about citizens while making decisions that she believed harmed them.
The interview highlights the ongoing tensions between the legislative and judicial branches in Israel and raises questions about the perceived role and power of the Supreme Court. As the debate over the amendment to the Basic Law: the Judiciary continues, these criticisms are likely to add fuel to an already intense national conversation about the balance of power between the branches of government.