Last update - 00:00 20/11/2006
Itzik: Supreme Court shouldn't be able to overrule Knesset
By Gideon Alon, Haaretz Correspondent
The Speaker of the Knesset has said that the Supreme Court should not have the ability to reject laws passed by the Knesset.
Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's Kadima party said in an interview with Haaretz that she believes the judicial branch should have to consult with the Knesset in cases of rulings which vary from the Basic Laws of the state.
Israel lacks a formal constitution, but legal experts view Basic Laws as enacted by the Knesset as bearing some of the weight of constitutional provisions.
The Knesset speaker emphasized that she plans to discuss the issue with the leaders of the parties in the Knesset, and to convey the results of the discussion with Supreme Court Chief Justice Dorit Beinish.
Two weeks ago, Beinish said that she opposes any attempt to remove the Supreme Court's authority to reject new laws.
However, Itzik told Haaretz, "I'm certain that the Supreme Court should not have the ability to reject laws passed by the Knesset.
"Even though the Court uses its authority with discretion, in my opinion they shouldn't have this authority at all. In any case where the court believes the Knesset passed a law contrary to precedent, they should consult with the Knesset."
Itzik added that she expects a more respectful relationship to exist between the legislative and judicial branches.
"The Knesset acts responsibly when passing rulings. It's a fact that to date, very few new laws have contradicted the Basic Laws of the state. One way to strengthen the government of Israel is by preventing overlap between the branches."