The three charges finally brought against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday would, in all circumstances, constitute a crisis to the rule of law in Israel.
Israel’s Supreme Court is known for taking active role in portraying Israeli policies, bringing an ever-low public opinion in fan of the Court. Israeli soon-to-retire Justice Minister Amir Ohana is known for being a conservative, opposing the Court’s agendas.
A new research conducted by DVS Insights confirms Ohana’s popularity amongst Israeli leading part “Likud”. Second to come is MK Gideon Saar, former Minister of Education and Interior for Netanyahu. Saar, serving at the pleasure of Netanyahu recently showed again his loyalty to the Prime Minister and his strict opposition to the court.
Next to come in the research is Ex-Speaker of the Knesset Yuli Edelstien, and then Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz. Last to score as opponents of the Court are MK Shitrit, and MK Barkat.
Israeli holds a long public debate in regard of the Court’s position and scope of authorities. The court has a liberal majority, in favour of progressive interpretation of Israeli semi-constitution.
Recently the court ruled in favour of PM Netanyahu, allowing him to form a government despite the charges he is now facing for corruption-related suspicions.
It is clear that Netanyahu will escalate his battle against the legal frame of the court, and will appoint legal conservatives like Ohana and Sa’ar to senior positions in his government.