Retired Supreme Court President Aharon Barak Appointed to Defend Israel at Int’l Court of Justice

Retired Supreme Court President Aharon Barak Appointed to Defend Israel at Int’l Court of Justice

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant development, Israel has appointed retired Supreme Court President Aharon Barak as a judge to address South Africa’s application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, as was reported by the Ha’Aretz newspaper in Israel. South Africa alleges that Israel has engaged in genocide during its conflicts in Gaza. Barak’s appointment is crucial as Israel seeks to defend itself against these claims on the international stage.

The International Court of Justice, comprised of 15 judges from various countries, allows parties involved in cases to appoint an additional judge. Israel, the party implicated in South Africa’s application, has exercised this right by selecting Aharon Barak. Ha’Aretz also reported that Israel’s Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, recommended Barak’s appointment, which was subsequently approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Aharon Barak, who served as Supreme Court president from 1995 to 2006, holds a prominent international legal reputation among Israeli jurists. At 87 years old, Barak is a Holocaust survivor and sat on the Israeli Supreme Court for 28 years, with 11 of those years as the court president, according to the Ha’Aretz report. Despite being closely associated with the Israeli legal establishment, Barak is considered by the Justice Ministry as the most suitable candidate to represent Israel and defend against the allegations of genocide.

Barak has faced criticism, particularly from supporters of the Netanyahu government’s judicial overhaul plan aimed at preserving democracy and limiting the court’s intrusion into civil affairs.

Last year, during massive protests against the overhaul plan, demonstrators gathered in front of Barak’s home, considering him one of the leaders of the opposition to the government’s proposals. The report in Ha’Aretz said. Despite this, legal sources suggest that Barak’s extensive legal experience and international recognition make him the best choice to counter South Africa’s accusations.

Gideon Sa’ar, a minister without portfolio and former justice minister from the National Unity Party, welcomed Barak’s appointment, emphasizing his international stature and professionalism. As was noted in the Ha’Aretz report, Karine Elharrar of the opposition Yesh Atid party, a member of the Judicial Appointments Committee, praised Barak’s appointment based on his brilliance and knowledge as a legal scholar admired worldwide.

National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz also supported the decision, highlighting Barak’s patriotism and commitment to Israel. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party viewed the appointment as a unifying moment for the nation, emphasizing the importance of standing together for the country’s sake, the report added.