The Judicial Selection Committee convened and selected four new Supreme Court judges Wednesday night.
Yosef Elron, George Karra, Yael Vilner, and David Mintz were all selected following a discussion with Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked. The selection of these four judges is seen as a victory for the conservative wing, which is led by Shaked.
The selection took place in the shadow of a bitter dispute betweenjudges and politicians who were presented with a list of 26 candidates. The dispute centered on some committee members and judges being opposed to the appointment of Judge Yosef Elron, of the Haifa District Court.
According to the law, in order to be chosen for the position of Supreme Court judge, a majority of seven out of nine members on the Judicial Selection Committee is required.
Judge Yael Vilner, the first religious, female judge was nominated by Shaked.
Judge George Karra, who was supported by Supreme Court President Miriam Naor and other Supreme Court members, competed with another Arab sector candidate, Khaled Kabub. Karra was also the judge who is noted for sentencing former President Moshe Katzav to seven years in prison.
Another judge that Shaked supported and managed to put on the list of candidates was Jerusalem District Court Judge David Mintz, who is a resident of Dolev in the West Bank. Shaked sees Mintz as a conservative appointment who will listen to the religious right and settlers.
Following the appointment of the four new judges, Shaked Tweeted, “Welcome to the new Supreme Court judges – Dr. David Mintz, Yael Vilner, Yosef Elron and George Karra. Finally, a diverse group that mirrors Israeli society. Good luck!”
The Israel Bar Association said in response to the appointments, “The association welcomes the decision of the Judicial Selection Committee. The appointments that were approved today are excellent appointments that will reinforce the Supreme Court. We would like to especially congratulate the President of the Supreme Court, Miriam Naor, and Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked, who despite their disagreements, managed to close the gaps and select four new judges.”