High Court of Justice President Miriam Naor and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked announced the next President of the High Court will be Esther Hayut. The appointment was made despite the ongoing dispute surrounding how the head of Israel’s highest court is appointment. Currently, the appointment is made on the basis of seniority. Shaked advocates changing this to the permit appointment the most suitable candidate.

Shaked made the announcement, confident the appointment will enjoy the backing of the Judicial Appointments Committee. She explains that this is not the time to get into the matter of seniority, hoping this too will come. She stresses her desire to change the system is in no way related to the persons in line for appointment.

Maor however feels the seniority is the best system, explaining if not, justices who view themselves in the running for the slot would permit politicians to influence them in the hope of finding favor in the eyes of members of the appointment committee.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)