Retired Israeli Supreme Court Justice Edna Arbel Dies at 82

Israel’s judiciary announced today (Wednesday) the death of retired Supreme Court Justice and former State Attorney Edna Arbel, who passed away at the age of 82. Over the course of decades in public life, Arbel held a long list of senior roles in Israel’s legal and law-enforcement systems.

She began her professional career as a private attorney and later joined the State Attorney’s Office. As part of her work, she took part in the team that gathered materials for the Kahan Commission, which investigated the Sabra and Shatila events, and was also responsible for writing the report in the examination of the Kav 300 affair.

She was later appointed a judge on the Tel Aviv District Court, and afterward served as State Attorney. During her tenure, she oversaw indictments and investigations in major cases involving ministers and prime ministers, and was one of the most prominent figures in the law-enforcement system.

In 2004, she was appointed to the Supreme Court, a position she held for about a decade until her retirement. Throughout her years in the legal system, she also continued to advance professional and public issues, including chairing the Prosecution 2000 Committee and a committee that formulated an ethical code for prosecutors. In addition, she took part in discussions held in Rome, The Hague, and Strasbourg on issues related to the International Criminal Court.

Alongside her judicial and administrative roles, Arbel served as the representative of the justice minister and the attorney general on various committees. She was also active in academia and taught at the Institute of Criminology and Criminal Law at Tel Aviv University and at Ono Academic College.

After news of her death became known, President Isaac Herzog paid tribute to her: "Michal and I received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of retired Supreme Court Justice and former State Attorney Edna Arbel. Over decades of public service, Edna filled a series of central roles in Israel’s judicial system, with a profound sense of mission, responsibility, and commitment to the State of Israel and the rule of law."

Herzog added: "Throughout her career, Justice Arbel left a significant mark on the legal system. She believed that behind every case and every ruling, there first and foremost stands a human being, and she acted מתוך a deep commitment to justice, human dignity, and the values of public service. We send a strong embrace to her daughters, her family members, her friends, and all who cherished her. May her memory be a blessing."