Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann addressed the Labor faction Monday in an attempt to gain its Knesset members' support for a bill he is working on, designed to limit the High Court's jurisdiction and powers.
"The High Court has been spending the last couple of years changing the face of the Israeli judicialsystem and Israel's unwritten constitution. The Knesset can't find itself paralyzed by this process, it has a right to its say," said Friedmann.
"I appreciate the High Court's work over the past 40 years and its contribution to the State, and I have an equal appreciation for the Knesset and Israeli politics.
"The democracy in Israel is a miracle. We are one of several dozen states that formed after World War II, and only a few of them are democracies. Our democracy was led by politicians, long before there was any High Court to speak of."
Friedmann went on to remind those present that the High Court too was the handiwork of politicians. "The Knesset makes sure to protect civil liberties," he said.
Labor Chairman and Defense Minister Ehud Barak spoke at the meeting as well, saying that "the High Court and the Israeli judicial system are a source of pride for Israel, both nationally and internationally."
Labor, added Barak, is committed to protecting the High Court.
"We will not stand for anyone forcing the Court's hand… Change is welcome, but any change should and will be examined both by the political system and the public, before any decisions are made," he said.