Yisrael Beiteinu has opened coalition talks with Likud, and representatives of the party said Wednesday that they would ask for the Justice Ministry in addition to another senior ministry. The second ministry would be intended for party head Avigdor Lieberman, but the party does not intend to name anyone of its members to the Justice Ministry: instead, it will nominate current Justice Minister Daniel Friedmann to stay in his position.
Yisrael Beiteinu has expressed support for Friedmann's reformist initiatives, which have met strong opposition from Labor, Meretz and former and current members of the Supreme Court.
Friedmann's Critics, Supporters Weigh In
The possibility of an extended term for Friedmann led to criticism from some and celebration from others. The minister has promoted initiatives which would regulate sitting judges' power to nominate future judges, and define the limits of the Supreme Court's judicial powers, earning him high praise from some corners and harsh criticism elsewhere.
Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch is widely seen as viewing Friedmann as a threat to her power, and the two have had an acrimonious relationship.
The Movement for Quality of Government appealed to Binyamin Netanyahu and other senior Likud members to get Friedmann out of office. “Don't be a part of Friedmann's campaign to trample our legal institutions, chief among them the Supreme Court; a campaign that has directly and dramatically undermined public faith in the system of law enforcement,” the group urged Netanyahu.
Friedmann's plans would contradict the Likud's commitment to “strengthen the rule of law and safeguard Israeli democracy,” the group argued.
However, Friedmann won strong support from the Land of Israel Legal Forum, which argued that the minister faced criticism “because his criticism of the Supreme Court bothers the court's President.”
Friedmann stood up to the “ruling elite,” the forum said. “The reforms begun by ministry Friedmann have a positive influence on public truest in the legal system... The system has begun a process of self-examination, and of allowing criticism from those who wish to strengthen the state as a Jewish and democratic country,” said forum head Nachi Ayal.
Labor MK Shelly Yechimovich, who is one of Friedmann's more vocal opponents, called on Likud head Binyamin Netanyahu to reject Yisrael Beiteinu's request regardless of Friedmann's abilities. “How can Lieberman, who himself is suspected of crimes, decide who will stand at the head of the ministry that will determine his political future?” Yechimovich asked.
A similar complaint was voiced by the anti-corruption group Ometz.
Shas 'open to solution' for non-Jews
If Yisrael Beiteinu were to win control of the Justice Ministry, it would not only give the party power to keep Friedmann on as minister, but would also allow it to promote its other initiatives, including creating an option for civil marriage and changing the system of government.
Likud representatives have agreed to consider changing the system of government and reexamining the criteria for citizenship. However, the demand for civil marriage has met resistance from the religious parties, including Shas, which is expected to be a key component of the Likud-led coalition.
Shas head Eli Yishai says his party is open to finding a solution for non-Jews who wish to marry each other without a religious ceremony, but is unwilling to permit civil marriages between those forbidden to marry under Jewish law.