Khaled Kabub sworn in as first Muslim Supreme Court justice
Justice Khaled Kabub became the first Muslim appointed to Israel’s Supreme Court on Monday. All previous Arab Israeli judges on the 15-member tribunal were Christians.
Kabub took office alongside some 81 other judges who were sworn in to various judicial posts in a special ceremony at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem, attended by President Isaac Herzog, Supreme Court President Esther Hayut and Justice Minister Gideon Sa’ar.
Kabub, 64, who until now served as vice president of the Tel Aviv District Court, will replace outgoing judge Neal Hendel.
In September 1997, Kabub was appointed as a judge at the Netanya Magistrate’s Court. In June 2003, he was appointed as a judge at the Tel Aviv District Court, and in September 2017 he was appointed vice president.
His most significant decision was the 2016 conviction of former billionaire Nochi Dankner for manipulating his company’s stock.
In 2018, Kabub applied for the job but eventually withdrew, apparently after realizing he had no realistic chance of being appointed.
Supreme Court President Esther Hayut speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed judges at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on May 9, 2022. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
Speaking at the ceremony, Hayut welcomed the new judges, reminding them that “the ability to listen patiently to the arguments presented to you, and to conduct the hearing with moderation and pragmatism, is at the heart of this “judicial temperament.”‘ which should be expressed in all your actions, both in and out of court.
The President further pointed out that “on entering the bench, the way you behave in court and in your personal life will inevitably radiate throughout the apparatus. This fact obliges all of us judges to act responsibly.
Kabub was one of three new Supreme Court justices appointed by the Judicial Appointments Committee last February.
The other three new justices are Justice Ruth Ronnen, attorney Yechiel Kasher and Justice Gila Kanfi-Steinitz – who will be the first female Supreme Court Justice of Mizrahi Jewish descent.
