In fact, their rank is often equal to that of a low-ranking official in another sector of the government. The lack of judges has often led to court cases being delayed for months. Because of the lack of an executing arm, the judiciary has often turned to the security services to enforce court orders and decisions. The result, as has been documented, is that court decisions are now hostage to the interests of the security services. Many lawyers have expressed the hope that a separate force be established which would be solely responsible for enforcing the directives of the judiciary.
Lawyers face other obstacles which they are virtually powerless to remove.
For example, there is a reluctance on the part of the authorities to turn over files and documents to lawyers, often never transferring the needed information. Lawyers are often barred from visiting clients in prison or are allowed extremely limited visitation privileges. Many of the visits that are allowed are attended by members of the security services. It should also be noted that serious restrictions placed upon the courts in the Oslo and Gaza-Jericho agreements have also hampered the ability of the courts to function efficiently and justly. A urban centers.