Israeli Politicians Condemn Smotrich's Judicial Campaign Video

Prominent Israeli political figures have strongly condemned a campaign video released by Bezalel Smotrich and the Religious Zionism party, which satirizes top legal officials. The video, created using AI, depicts Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, and other senior judicial figures being dragged by security personnel after blocking a road during a protest.

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the National Unity party, denounced the video as "despicable and violent," calling Smotrich a "draft dodger and supporter of refusal." Eisenkot criticized the timing during the High Holy Days, stating that Smotrich and his allies have learned nothing since October 7th and are willing to drag Israeli society into an abyss out of political desperation. He vowed to remove them from power soon.

Democratic Party leader Yair Golan echoed these sentiments, labeling the video "dangerous incitement and incitement to bloodshed." Golan accused Smotrich and fellow lawmaker Simcha Rothman of identifying judges and the Attorney General as enemies, knowing the impact of such portrayals. He further criticized Smotrich's past views on Hamas and Rothman's role in dismantling the justice system and expelling bereaved families from committee hearings. Golan called for Smotrich and his allies to be replaced on October 27th with responsible, strong, and democratic leadership.

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also weighed in, quoting a biblical verse about striking one's neighbor. President Isaac Herzog condemned the campaign at a swearing-in ceremony for new judges, stating that elections are not civil war and that offensive AI videos are unacceptable. He emphasized that violence is never justified and that Israelis must live together for a shared future.