Israel’s controversial pick of Ron Shapira as an ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in South Africa’s genocide case has stirred debate due to his combative nature and support for Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms. Shapira will replace Aharon Barak, who stepped down for personal reasons.
Unlike Barak, Shapira lacks extensive judicial experience and has faced criticism for his stance on the ICJ. He is known for his support of Netanyahu’s judicial reforms, which aim to give the government more control over judicial appointments and decisions.
While Barak was seen as a liberal judge and advocate for democracy, he was also accused of legitimising Israeli actions against Palestinians during his tenure. Shapira’s appointment reflects Israel’s approach to the ICJ case in South Africa, signalling a shift towards a more critical stance towards international law.
With Shapira’s views on the judiciary and the ICJ, his appointment raises questions about Israel’s position on international legal matters. Only time will tell how his tenure will impact the ongoing legal discourse surrounding Israel’s actions in the region.