In fiery speech, Hayut says judicial shakeup plan ‘fatal blow to Israeli democracy’

In an extraordinary speech delivered with indignation and fiery rhetoric, Supreme Court President Esther Hayut denounced the new government’s plan to radically overhaul Israel’s judicial and legal system, saying it would deal a “fatal blow” to the country’s democratic identity.

Speaking Thursday night in Haifa, Hayut declared that the sweeping changes to the legal system would fatally undermine judicial independence, give the Knesset a “blank check” to pass any legislation it pleases — even in violation of basic civil rights — and deny the courts the tools needed to serve as a check on executive power.

Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who is spearheading the reforms, lambasted Hayut’s speech, saying it underlined his arguments that the justice system has been politicized, and chastised her for violating ethics rules for serving judges. READ MORE