On January 21, the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee held its first discussion on the renewed outline proposed by Ministers Saar and Levin regarding the Judicial Selection Committee. Dr. Elad Gil, Head of Research at Tachlit Institute, participated in the discussion and presented the institute’s position.

As Dr. Gil noted, the outline significantly reduces the risk of excessive concentration of power in government hands that was present in previous versions of the proposed amendment. However, the outline in its current form will not fulfill the goals set by its initiators – diversifying the court, ensuring its professionalism, and restraining its involvement in value-based issues. Instead, it is expected to change the character of the Supreme Court and contribute to its transformation into a political institution divided into distinct ideological camps of judges, becoming less professional and struggling to gain public trust.

Despite these difficulties, the proposal provides a worthy basis for dialogue. It is possible and appropriate to engage in professional discourse to offer solutions to these challenges and help the Knesset form broad agreements on a responsible, balanced outline that will strengthen the judiciary and public confidence in it.