Israel's Supreme Court heard petitions on Tuesday challenging the Knesset's decision to cancel a temporary provision that required ballot boxes to be placed in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior residential communities.
The provision was allowed to lapse by the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, removing the obligation to establish polling stations in these facilities.
Supreme Court President judge Isaac Amit questioned the logic of the decision, noting that it specifically harms elderly citizen's voting rights while a similar provision for sailors remains in effect. Amit pointed out that the number of sailors is actually decreasing, while the elderly population requires greater accommodation.
Judge Amit expressed regret over what he characterized as a retreat from accessibility. "This is the first time the Knesset has gone backward. Instead of expanding, it's going backward, and we can all only regret that", he said.
The chief justice praised the previous arrangement, which permanently anchored the option to place ballot boxes in any facility housing at least 75 residents. "This arrangement worked excellently in previous elections", Amit emphasized. "I say this as someone who served as chairman of the Central Elections Committee. It worked excellently, it's a shame it doesn't exist this time as well".
Constitution Committee Chairman MK Simcha Rothman responded sharply to the Supreme Court President comments, stating: "Isaac Amit discovers to his surprise that for 'broad agreement' you actually need broad agreement and that there won't be a majority voting against. This thing with democracy has been very annoying to dictators for many, many years. A delusional hearing in a delusional court with an even more delusional judge". said Rothman.
Amit's remarks sparked controversy on social media, with many right-wing Supporters accusing him of misunderstanding democratic principles and wanting a majority only when it serves his interests.
