The appointment of Ron Shapira as “Israel’s” ad hoc judge in the International Court of Justice has stirred controversy due to his lack of international judicial experience and combative stance towards the ICJ. Shapira replaced Aharon Barak, who resigned for personal reasons.
Shapira’s nomination came after the ICJ directed “Israel” to prevent genocide in Gaza, a decision contested by Barak. Despite Shapira’s affiliation with conservative legal organizations, critics argue that he lacks the expertise and stature of Barak, who retired opposing judicial reforms backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Shapira’s alignment with Netanyahu’s policies signifies a shift towards a more confrontational approach in dealing with the ICJ’s ongoing case initiated by South Africa. His appointment has sparked domestic debates and protests, highlighting concerns about threats to “Israeli” democracy.
Barak, known for his rulings on Palestinian issues, earned praise for defending democratic values, despite facing criticism for controversial decisions. The contrasting legacies of Barak and Shapira reflect broader tensions within the “Israeli” judicial system.