Smotrich Accuses Supreme Court Chief of Trying to Override Democracy in Judges Panel Dispute

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich launched a sharp attack Sunday morning on Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Isaac Amit, amid a heated High Court hearing over the Judicial Selection Committee. Smotrich said the government would not accept any attempt to strike down a Basic Law, calling judicial intervention in the judge-selection system an “abomination” and warning the court not to interfere with the Knesset’s authority.

Speaking near the court, Smotrich said, “The democracy belongs to the people, they are sovereign,” and told the justices, “Do not dare.” He argued that if judges wanted influence over how judges are chosen, they should leave the robes behind, form a party, run for the Knesset, and seek public support. He added, “If we need to remove anyone from the committee, it is the judges, who are the biggest politicians,” because they are not checked by the ballot box.

Smotrich reserved his harshest criticism for Amit, saying the chief justice was acting without authority and trying to remove politicians from the committee. “Maybe he should declare himself ruler of Israel and we can end this show,” Smotrich said, adding that “the state belongs to the people” and warning, “Do not dare destroy Israeli democracy.”

Inside the hearing, Amit reportedly floated an unusual idea to alter the committee’s balance, suggesting that instead of removing the two representatives of the Israel Bar Association, the two political representatives might be the ones to go. MK Tally Gotliv interrupted and was removed from the courtroom at Amit’s instruction. Amit also said, “If not, the Supreme Court will perish,” and when asked to explain, replied only, “Sorry sir, you may continue.” The hearing came after earlier rulings that ordered Justice Minister Yariv Levin to convene the committee, but the issue remains deadlocked.