BICOM

A strong and independent Supreme Court is essential to the safekeeping of a democratic society, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a swearing-in ceremony of incoming Supreme Court President Asher Grunis yesterday. Netanyahu added that he would reject any bill that threatens to hinder Israel’s court system.

Speaking at the Jerusalem ceremony, Netanyahu said that it was the responsibility of a democratic country to protect certain basic rights, such as “the freedom of conscious, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the protection of private property, protection of workers’ rights, and the reliability of contracts … Those are freedoms which give the meaning to a free life,” the PM said, adding that, among the other institutions that make up a democratic system, “the court stands above all.”

Outgoing Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch also spoke at the ceremony. Beinisch emphasised that “Every effort needs to be made to repair society, in which economic gaps have broadened.” She also spoke about the Arab citizens of Israel, who constitute roughly one fifth of the state’s population, and called to take action to equalise their rights and obligations.

Incoming President of the Supreme Court, Asher Grunis said that defending the court was not a personal interest of the judges, “‎Whomever holds Israeli democracy dear must defend the judicial branch,” ‎he said. “The judges are performing a divine service, they act out of a sense of great responsibility. We all deal with providing a special service, led by a sense of vocation.” He added.