Now what is democratic about nine unelected people--who, to the extent they are elected, are largely self-elected--striking down laws they don't like that were legislated by an elected legislature? Why is it "killing democracy" to limit the ability of these unelected people to do this? Israel's Supreme Court is known abroad to be the most "imperial," the most unfettered and arrogant in its power and rulings. The left and "center" do not even seem able to debate this issue in terms other than hysterical screams. This is "killing democracy" if you regard the Israeli people--and their elected representatives--as essentially a brutal mob who can only be held in check by unelected judges. And it's obvious to everyone that this is the way the Israeli left regard Israel. You too, Shai Piron?

In the US the Supreme Court is a balance of power and is used to protect against the abuse of power. In Israel the court makes policy and vetoes laws which are enacted democratically. That is dangerous and needs to be changed the idea that if a person with a minority view like Livbi does not like a policy all they have to do is turn to a sympathetic court and overturn a law is just plain wrong and smakes of dictatorship

In the US, the Supreme Court can be petitioned to strike down a law, which it often does. To not be able to turn to the Supreme Court is called a dictatorship.

This is the way it is in all democracies. There are a bunch of unelected, liberal, activist judges on the high court who are trying to make law & set policy. For example they issue evacuation orders to settlers who have shown proof of ownership when the Arab plaintiffs have not produced one shred of evidence & ruling that detaining illegals is "unconstitutional" when there is NO CONSTITUTION. Their powers need to be limited because they have abused their powers.

Not a wonder that you , who want to expell all non Jews from our country agree with those extremists rightists . Jews have suffered more than enough from rightist fascists .

The problem is that in Israel its made to strike down laws that is based on a political agenda sometimes before the law is voted on. Also there is a vetting process which the justices are appointed by the peoples representatives like the US In Israel that does not occurr. Thus the apointees are political appointees whos political opinion is more likely being the factor rather than interpreting law. Wen the Judicial branch has blind veto power on the political process without safeguards such as being questioned and approved by the Kenesset as in the US that is a dictatorship.

judges must be elected. Moreover, rightist majority should have the possibility to chose rightist judges and vis versa..

Judges of the supreme court can't be "politically" nominated , they are above politics . They are choosen by the selection committee . Nine members . Three supreme court justices , two ministers , two Knesseth members and two representatives of the Israeli Bar association .

The court may not be associated to politics , they are above it .

leftists,[if i am not wrong]..since a very long time.That's not fair.

Although I do not agree that it is a dictatorship, you make some very good points. Thanks.

All leftists ? The judges leftitsts ? By what are they so ? You know Ora , some time ago you told us that you have almost every day guests . So , stay in your kitchen , and prepare fine food for them . That's maybe better for you than talking about things you ignore completely .

The US supreme court justices are nominated by the US president , after advice and consent of the senate . So they often share the presidents views . That's certainly more a political nomination than in Israel .

never talk about things WE ignore completely annoying so friends, At least in my kitchen i give happiness to my guests. What i read on-line should be checked first,which i admit i do not do,from there my mistakes.

No other civilized country has a self-perpetuating judiciary like Israel. Any self-perpetuating institution breeds tyranny. Judges can have lifetime appointments, but can be selected democratically-- ie the US system of Presidential nomination with Senate confirmation. This system strikes a balance, as it allows judicial independence but preserves democratic rights.

Tho security is paramount for the Jews The courts ought be based on Human rights as a standard to aim for on not elected by a majority as it says in the Tanach one of the most humanitarian commandments :Do not go with a. Mob to do evil.