'Supreme Court will set example under Grunis'

Netanyahu and Peres welcome new Supreme Court president and praise outgoing president Beinisch.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Grunis and Netanyahu 390 (photo credit: Moshe Milner/GPO)
Grunis and Netanyahu 390
(photo credit: Moshe Milner/GPO)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday welcomed Asher Grunis as the new president of the Supreme Court, saying that under his leadership he was sure the court would continue to serve as an example of justice to the world.
Grunis was being sworn in as the tenth president of the Supreme Court, replacing Dorit Beinisch.
"You have all the needed qualities to lead the justice system at this important juncture and I promise to grant you all the help that you will need," Netanyahu said of Grunis.
Netanyahu emphasized the importance of maintaining the independence of the justice system in order that Israel remain a vital democracy.
"Not in every place is there a strong justice system, nor are rights guaranteed," Netanyahu said. He stated that the court helped Israel serve as an example to the world on how to balance civil rights and security.
Netanyahu praised Beinisch for her work as Supreme Court president. "The attacks against you and against the court did not succeed," Netanyahu stated, praising Beinisch for protecting the status of the court.  Netanyahu said that Beinisch was a "trailblazer," who became the first woman president of the Supreme Court.
President Shimon Peres also spoke at the ceremony welcoming Grunis to his new role. "I'm sure you will fortify the status of the Supreme court," the president stated.
Beinisch called Grunis an "experienced and professional" justice and stated that she was leaving a strong justice system behind her.
British Ambassador to Israel Matthew Gould and US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro also spoke at the event, praising Beinisch for her work as Supreme Court president.
Grunis himself said at the ceremony that the Supreme Court and the entire justice system must ensure that the legislative and executive branches of government respect the rights of the individual and work for the general interest.
He praised Beinisch for protecting the independence of the court against attempts to weaken it.