Smotrich Petitions Supreme Court Against AG Over E1 Tender Delay
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich petitioned the High Court of Justice against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara for delaying a construction tender in the strategic E1 area. Smotrich claims the delay is politically motivated and accuses the AG of aiding the left, while he funded the petition personally after legal counsel refused representation.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Smotrich petitioned the High Court against the Attorney General over a delayed E1 construction tender.
- Smotrich alleges the AG's delay is politically motivated and aids the left-wing campaign.
- He was forced to fund the petition privately after legal counsel refused to represent him.
- The E1 tender involves building 1,234 housing units and is strategically significant.
- Smotrich accused the AG of abusing her power and becoming a political tool.
Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party chairman Bezalel Smotrich has filed an urgent petition with the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) against Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The petition challenges her directive to delay the announcement of winners in a construction tender for the E1 area.
Smotrich vehemently criticized the decision, alleging it serves the campaign of the left and Gadi Eisenkot's party. He stated that Baharav-Miara has become a tool of the Israeli left, which he claims will establish a Palestinian state endangering Israeli citizens. The minister was forced to fund the petition from his private funds after the state's legal counsel refused to represent him.
The controversy centers on a tender for the marketing of land to build 1,234 housing units in seven sectors in Ma'ale Adumim. The political approval for the project was granted in October 2025, well before the election period. Smotrich's petition emphasizes that the tender stages were professionally advanced by the relevant authorities on a predetermined schedule, without political interference from elected officials.
The E1 area is considered a strategically vital location, physically connecting Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim. Its development is seen as crucial for establishing Israeli-Jewish territorial contiguity and preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state. Smotrich accused the Attorney General of abusing her power and hindering the elected minister's ability to advance national policy, further highlighting his call for splitting the Attorney General's role and regulating its authorities.
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