Judge Ryan Nelson of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to recuse himself from a case challenging the Biden administration’s Gaza policy. According to The Intercept, Nelson participated in a judicial delegation to Israel in March, sponsored by the World Jewish Congress.
The plaintiffs in the case, a coalition of Palestinian human rights organizations, Palestinian nationals, and Palestinian Americans, argued that Nelson’s participation in the trip created a conflict of interest. They filed an emergency recusal motion on Tuesday, and oral arguments are scheduled for June 10.
In a brief order, Nelson stated, “Appellants have moved to disqualify me from participation in this case based on my attendance at a judicial education conference in Israel in March.” He addressed the allegations of potential impartiality raised by the plaintiffs, stating, “They cite no comments I have made about any issues related to this case. Thus, it is far from certain that an objective observer would reasonably question my impartiality. That said, out of an abundance of caution, the best course in this specific case (which may not apply in other cases) is to recuse.”
The Center for Constitutional Rights, representing the plaintiffs, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the recusal order.
