Israel's highest judicial body has been at the center of controversy, with massive street demonstrations breaking out last year in response to reforms proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The latest development came this week when acting Supreme Court President Uzi Vogelman announced his resignation. 

Vogelman has served as acting president since last October

According to The Times of Israel, Vogelman's departure came on Tuesday due to his having reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.

The outgoing jurist will be replaced as acting Supreme Court president by Justice Isaac Amit, who is expected to serve until the Judicial Selection Committee picks a permanent replacement next month.

Vogelman retires as Supreme Court president in shadow of severe judiciary-gov’t clash https://t.co/Xinc98KSrQ

— The Times of Israel (@TimesofIsrael) October 1, 2024

Vogelman had been serving in the role since last October because Justice Minister Yariv Levin has thus far refused to select a Supreme Court president.

The Times reported last month that Vogelman had rejected a suggestion from Levin that temporarily appoint conservative Justice Yosef Elron.

Vogelman engaged in ideological clash with justice minister

Under Levin's plan, Elron would serve in the position for a year, after which liberal Justice Isaac Amit would ascend to the position.

The Times pointed out how Levin has spent the better part of a year blocking Amit's promotion, who under seniority rules should have risen following the retirement of former Court President Esther Hayut.

Prior to leaving, Vogelman spoke at a ceremony attended by the other 12 serving justices along with all living former court presidents.

Also present was Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, State Attorney Amit Aisman, and a number of other legal dignitaries.

Supreme Court "will continue to maintain its stability and independence"

Vogelman called on his colleagues to "ensure that the court will continue to fill its critical function in defense of the rule of law and human rights in Israel."

"Throughout its seventy-six years of existence, the State of Israel bravely faced an array of diverse challenges, and maintained its social resilience, and its Jewish and democratic identity," the judge declared.

"I believe with all my heart that the same resilience will be maintained even in dealing with the contemporary obstacles facing us," he insisted in an apparent reference to Israel's latest military conflict.

"Then as now, the judiciary stands firm and will continue to maintain its stability and independence," Vogelman went on to assert.