Outgoing Justice Minister Avi Nissenkorn posted a post on his Facebook account today (Friday), in which he addressed the reasons that led him to leave the Blue and White Party, resign from his position as minister and join the “Israelis” party headed by Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor Ron Huldai. Nissenkorn described the reasons for his departure and revealed that “behind Gabi there were negotiations between Bnei Gantz and Benjamin Netanyahu over the heads of the gatekeepers, about emptying the powers of the Minister of Justice. The agreements between the parties were no less insane.” Of the Ministry of Justice for its political future. There is no limit to lies. “
Netanyahu v. Ganz in the Knesset Plenum in the debate on the bill to postpone the approval of the budget. Photo: Knesset Channel
In his opening remarks, Nissenkorn wrote: “Friends, at the end of a stormy week, it is important for me to share with you what I have been through in the last two weeks. I cherish the common path I have walked with Bnei Gantz and I have an appreciation for him as a person. “Farewell through us. Do not look for gossip. There is no intrigue here and certainly not a personal struggle. The reason for the parting is simple: my value compass did not allow me to stay in blue and white.”
Nissenkorn stated that “as Minister of Justice, I pursued a policy of determined struggle for individual rights and the strengthening of the foundations of democracy. “The serious indictments hovering over his head caused him to lose all restraint. He set himself the goal of crushing the rule of law mechanisms, and using his governmental power to harm the system for his personal legal needs.”
“Netanyahu expected Blue and White to straighten out and give him what he wanted,” Nissenkorn wrote, adding: “It did not happen. He was forced to internalize the simple fact that the new justice minister works for the public, not for him. But Netanyahu did not accept my insistence on not allowing the criminal defendant to choose. The State Attorney, the Attorney General and not the judges. “
According to Nissenkorn, “Recently, in the conversations I had with Benny (Ganz), the disagreements between us have unfortunately sharpened. No less insane: politicization of the procedures for the election of the State Attorney and the Attorney General, a right of veto for Netanyahu’s emissaries in the election of Supreme Court justices, a detour that would have superseded the powers of the Minister of Justice as chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Legislation and more.
He stressed that “the very existence of negotiations over the heads of the gatekeepers undermines fundamental democratic principles and under the values on their behalf we were elected to serve the citizens of Israel,” noting that he “opposed the move” and along with several other members of the faction “the terrible deal was avoided.”
“I do not intend to apologize for that, on the contrary. The person who drafted the deal is to provide explanations to the public,” Nissenkorn wrote, adding: “Last week I had several conversations with Ganz, during which I clearly and honestly shared with him the crisis I am facing and my feeling that blue and white is going On Monday morning we met and had an open conversation. During the meeting my son said that he does not rule out a joint election with the right. I, for my part, made my intentions clear to my son. Despite the pressures in the last days of the Knesset, out of respect for Ganz, “White (which would have reduced a large share of Blue and White’s election budget). This is not my way.”
The former minister explained that “I left Blue and White because I remained loyal to the path in which you sent me and the other members of Blue and White to the Knesset. This is also exactly why I chose to join Ron Huldai and establish a new political framework. A party based on a clear ideological path A party whose values lead it is values. Those who know me know that this is my way. I look in the mirror and do not run away from reality, even when difficult decisions have to be made. It is better for others to do so. Instead of shooting in all directions, they should take responsibility for serious mistakes and face their consequences. “At Gantz’s request, I am ending my term as Minister of Justice today, but I will continue to fight for the same values and the same goals in my future positions. Because when it comes to the rule of law and the foundations of Israeli democracy, we must win.”
White Brush said in response to Nissenkorn’s remarks that “Nissenkorn’s father has made a liquidation sale of the Ministry of Justice for his political future. There is no limit to lies. Blue and White will not relinquish the powers of the Ministry of Justice at any cost.”
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Bnei Gantz spoke with Supreme Court President Esther Hayut and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit as he entered the post of Justice Minister. Gantz told the two “As I have maintained the judiciary and democracy so far, I will continue to guard it with all vigilance. I will make sure that you continue your continuous activities. You will receive all the support needed to fulfill your role fearlessly and impartially.”
Ganz has arranged to meet with the two soon and begin work on the significant issues at hand.