The Supreme Court of Israel has rejected a petition that sought to block the appointment of the court's new liberal president, seemingly ending a months-long battle over the seat.
The top court ruled that Justice Isaac Amit was properly vetted after right-wing groups complained about conflicts of interest.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, an ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, led a 16-month blockade against Amit's appointment.
As the controversy flared, the top court considered holding Levin in contempt for refusing to make an appointment, but the Supreme Court ultimately set a January 16 deadline.
Amit was finally elected on January 26 after the court granted a 10-day extension to consider reports that the judge had interests in cases he weighed on.
For instance, Amit did not report his involvement in legal proceedings concerning a building he owns in Tel Aviv with his brother. Amit dismissed the claims as a "smear campaign" and said he gave his brother full legal stewardship of the property.
Amit's election as the court's permanent president led to howls of protest from Levin and others who called it a sham process. While Amit was next in line based on seniority, Levin said other judges of similar rank were passed over for less serious concerns.
"I hereby state unequivocally that I do not recognize Justice Isaac Amit as the President of the Supreme Court, and the procedures through which he was 'elected' are fundamentally flawed and illegal," Levin wrote.
The Supreme Court rejected a petition Sunday from right-wing groups that claimed Amit was elected "hastily" and without a thorough review of his alleged conflicts of interest.
The top court determined that the Judicial Selection Committee had all the information it needed to make a proper decision, while noting the committee is "the only body authorized to discuss reservations regarding candidates for the position of Supreme Court president."
Levin, who is chair of the selection committee, has argued the "flawed" process that elected Amit turned the panel into a "rubber stamp."
The President of Israel appoints judges of the Supreme Court, and nominations are made by the Judicial Selection Committee.
Levin, and others on Israel's right, have accused the Supreme Court of judicial overreach favoring the left. In 2023, Levin led a failed attempt to reform the judicial system that sparked furious backlash throughout Israel.
Amit will be sworn in next week, but neither Levin, nor Prime Minister Netanyahu, will attend.
