Supreme Council of Judicial Bodies and Authorities

The Supreme Council of Judicial Bodies and Authorities (المجلس الاعلى للهيئات والجهات القضائية) was created in October 2022 by President Mahmoud Abbas through presidential decree. The judicial body is headed by Abbas who has the power to determine its membership and meetings. According to the presidential decree, the Supreme Council of Judicial Bodies and Authorities has full power over the the Palestinian Authority‘s judicial system.

In addition to Abbas, the body is composed of: the presidents of courts and judicial bodies including the Constitutional Court and High Judicial Council, the Minister of Justice, and President Abbas’ legal advisor Hassan al-Ouri. According to the decree, these members are appointed on a personal rather than institutional basis — meaning that they serve in the body at Abbas’ discretion.