Supreme Court Chief Justice Esther Hayut said Sunday that she will not attend the festive session of the Knesset Constitution, Law, Justice Committee over her opposition to the planned judicial overhaul.
Hayut said she would be attending the events meant to mark the anniversary of the parliament in the plenum.
The anniversary session is traditionally attended by the president, prime minister, opposition leader, Supreme Court chief justice, and the Knesset speaker.
Committee chair Simcha Rothman said Hayut's actions show she was not willing to participate in a serious dialogue.
"It is unclear why the chief justice demands that our legislation be suspended as a precondition to any dialogue on our reform. It is contrary to the idea of the separation of powers, especially in light of her decision to make her opinion known in public addresses."
Hayut has come out forcefully against the coalition's intention to pass legislation that would give the government and the Knesset authority over the selection of judges, would prevent judicial oversight of laws that contradict Basic Laws, and would demote legal advisors to no more than an advisory role whereas now by law their legal opinions are binding.
Earlier, Justice Minister Yariv Levin doubled down on the overhaul by saying he would not slow down his advance to implement the reform, despite overwhelming disapproval and widespread condemnations from not only the public but judicial and economic experts and foreign leaders as well.
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz joined President Issac Herzog in calling for a complete suspension of the process to allow public discourse and compromise. Gantz described the proposed legislation as tyranny.
Levin dismissed Gantz's calls for dialogue and demanded to know what parts of the coalition's program he was willing to accept.
Herzog, in a meeting with Golani Brigade soldiers at his residents on Sunday, called on all sides to engage in productive discussions rather than move forward unilaterally by ignoring reform detractors.
"It's like carrying a stretcher. If it tilts too far left or too far right, it will topple the injured soldier over. That is the perfect metaphor for the state of affairs in Israel right now."