Shochat delays quitting to keep Gavison out of HCJ
By JPOST.COM STAFF
MK Avraham "Baiga" Shochat (Labor) postponed his resignation from politics Tuesday in order to prevent Prof. Ruth Gavison's appointment to the Supreme Court.
Shochat was a member of the committee assigned to nominate Supreme Court justices. According to Israel Radio, he feared that if he left, Gavison would be appointed. However, the former finance minister stated that if the committee would be adjourned until after the upcoming elections, then he would quit the Knesset immediately.
Gavison's appointment stirred a lot of controversy in the legal system. The most controversial aspect of her outlook was the view that the High Court of Justice refrain from discussing the political system more than absolutely necessary. Her nomination was backed by Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, but was vehemently opposed by Supreme Court President Aharon Barak.