MKs say Beinisch promoted 'political agenda'
Rightist lawmakers say retiring Supreme Court president tried to dictate its values to all of society: 'Now all she can do is join opposition'
Shortly after retiring Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch bid farewell to her colleagues on Tuesday, a number of rightist politicians criticized her tenure, saying it was marred by a "political agenda."
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Knesset Member Yariv Levin (Likud) said that under Beinisch's leadership the court advocated activism in an extreme manner and became a "player in the political field.
"A radical leftist minority, which was elected via the 'friend brings a friend' system, without transparency, tried through post-Zionism and a number of peculiar rulings to dictate its values to all of society," he said.
Beinisch farewel ceremony, Tuesday (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
"Now that her tenure has ended, Beinisch will no longer be able to try and promote the political agenda she believes in from the judge's bench. At the most she'll be able to join her friends in the opposition."
MK Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) criticized Beinisch's "untimely" decision to accept petitions against the Tal Law, which exempts yeshiva students from military service.
He said it was no coincidence that the ruling was issued before the main news broadcasts: "(Beinisch) acted out of 'primetime' considerations."
Beinisch will be replaced by the more conservative Asher Grunis, who will be sworn in later in the day.
Alongside those celebrating the end of Beinisch's term as Supreme Court president were also those who wished to praise her efforts.
Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chairman Shaul Mofaz said, "(Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's representatives in the Knesset were the ones who sought to sabotage and weaken the Supreme Court."
Mofaz then quoted from the Tanach: "The voice is that of Jacob but the hands are those of Esau. Standing before these forces who sought to weaken the judicial authority, Beinisch stood as a fortified barrier and bravely defended the rule of law in Israel. She leaves behind her a legacy of justice and values which are the cornerstones of Israeli society."
MK Yohanan Pelsner (Kadima) said "Beinisch was wise enough to maintain the suitable balance in the relationship between the authorities and avoid over-involvement in Knesset and cabinet decisions. Yet when these decisions needed to be made, as with the Tal Law, she proved that the courts have the power and legitimacy to make the necessary decision."
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