In a political climate rife with tensions, a few high profile Israeli ministers have taken a decisive stand in support of the judiciary, vowing to honor any High Court rulings, even those that may potentially invalidate fundamental laws. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel, and Minister of Interior and Health Moshe Arbel have emerged as voices advocating the rule of law, and against a majority of their coalition, even as they engage in robust discussions within the government on matters of national priority.

This week's cabinet meeting addressed an array of issues such as education in Lod, transportation discounts, and areas of national concern. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initiated the session by emphasizing the need for as broad a public consensus as possible concerning legal reforms - a stance he seemingly assured credit ratings company Moody's just last week. He also urged opposition leaders to disavow provocative statements made by some of the protestors against the judicial reforms, with the aim of "calming the spirits of the people." Netanyahu further criticized law enforcement agencies for not acting with sufficient firmness against the increase in incitement that has sprouted up during the 36 weeks that the protests have been held.

שר הביטחון יואב גלנט (ליכוד) הודיע כי יכבד "כל החלטה" של בית המשפט. גם שר הפנים משה ארבל (ש"ס) ציין כי יכבד את פסיקת בג"ץ "חד משמעית". ארבל התגייס לשירות סדיר ושירת בפיקוד העורף ביחידה לזיהוי חללים והשתחרר בדרגת סמל, ובמילואים שירת כתובע צבאי בפרקליטות הצבאית במחוז יהודה ושומרון.

— אינטלי טיימס - إنتل تايمز - Intelli Times (@IntelliTimes) September 10, 2023

Amidst this backdrop of potential conflict with the High Court—especially considering the upcoming deliberation on the validity of a basic law—the ministers were questioned on their respective stances. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, whose earlier actions led to the suspension of a contested reform, firmly stated, "My position is known. The State of Israel is a democratic state governed by law—I will respect every ruling of the High Court."

Both Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel and Interior and Health Minister Moshe Arbel echoed this sentiment, affirming their commitment to abide by all High Court rulings. In a contrasting tone, Communications Minister Shlomo Karai redirected the inquiry, suggesting that the pertinent question should be whether the High Court itself intends to "respect democracy in the State of Israel."

Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf of the ultra orthodox Degel Hatorah party (UTJ) weighed in on the court's role by bringing up a case before it that directly impacts his constituency who disproportiaonately rely on welfare and government handouts to live, the suspension of food stamp distribution. Goldknopf opined that the court should understand the necessity of such social welfare measures. As to the judicial reform, the Haredi lawmaker expressed his hope that the judiciary would listen to the government's arguments before making a ruling - straddling the fence and not ruling out accepting the court's decision.

שר הביטחון, יואב גלנט בכניסה לישיבת הממשלה: "מדינת ישראל היא מדינה דמוקרטית, אני אכבד כל פסיקה של בג"ץ". pic.twitter.com/trBeyi2Al3

— חזקי ברוך (@HezkeiB) September 10, 2023

Benny Gantz, the chairman of the Blue and White Party, commended Ministers Gamliel, Gallant, and Arbel for their stance. In a tweet, Gantz noted that while their commitment to the rule of law should be self-evident, "unfortunately we have reached the days when such a statement is so necessary and important." He called upon all coalition members to vocally support the High Court to avert a dangerous constitutional crisis.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid also offered rare praise for anyone in the coalition, celebrating the ministers for their unambiguous support for the rule of law. He expressed disbelief that there would even be a discussion questioning the government's compliance with High Court decisions.

Gallant stated that should the Israeli High Court cancel the recent law eliminating the usage of the reasonableness standard, the government will respect the ruling.
It's why our country, Israel, is The Only Democracy in the Middle East.
עם ישראל חי וקיים.

— Henryk whistleblower® (@henry75001) July 30, 2023

In summary, the ministers' public commitment to uphold High Court rulings comes at a critical juncture for Israeli democracy. Their collective message reaffirms the State of Israel as a nation committed to democratic principles and the rule of law, underscoring the importance of each pillar of governance respecting the other. It also serves as a timely reminder for those who might question the judiciary's role in the democratic process, stressing the imperative of institutional integrity in turbulent times.