Hebrew University professor nominated to Supreme Court

JERUSALEM, April 20 (JTA) — Justice Minister Tzachi Hanegbi and Supreme Court President Aharon Barak have agreed to appoint Hebrew University law professor Yitzhak Engelrad as a justice in the high court. Engelrad would replace retiring Justice Zvi Tal. Both are observant Jews. Religious and secular groups have kept a watchful eye on the composition of the Supreme Court, which is sometimes called on to decide matters of public policy that touch on religious issues. Engelrad, 64, has been named to receive this year’s Israel Prize for law. His appointment must now be endorsed by a committee that oversees the selection of Supreme Court justices.