Former Supreme Court Justice Salim Joubran has died at the age of 76, Israeli media reported on Friday morning.
President Isaac Herzog said later on Friday, "It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of Salim Joubran."
"For decades," Joubran "fulfilled his commitment to Israeli democracy while practicing professionalism, responsibility, and good manners, which were his hallmarks.
"Judge Joubran was, among others, a pioneer. He was the first Arab judge in the Supreme Court with a permanent appointment and was honored to serve as deputy president."
Leader of the Labor Party, Merav Michaeli, also issued a statement which read, "Joubran was a great jurist and a trailblazer who strengthened Israeli democracy and protected the rights of women and minorities."
"He believed with all his heart in equality and coexistence and proved it time and time again in his rulings. He himself embodied that coexistence, being a patriotic Israeli and a proud Arab in his tradition," she added.