Israeli Finance Minister Urges PM to Defy Supreme Court Order on Refugee Camps

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to disregard a Supreme Court ruling that requires the IDF to provide timelines for the return of residents to their homes in "refugee camps" in the West Bank. The ruling specifically concerns Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams.

Smotrich, who also serves as a minister in the Defense Ministry and heads the Religious Zionism party, stated that the three Supreme Court justices involved, Amit, Stein, and Kavuv, are endangering Israel's security. He criticized them for intervening in security matters without understanding them, drawing a parallel to the situation before the October 7th attack in Gaza. Smotrich argued that the court's decision would allow for the rebuilding of "Arab terror infrastructure" in the northern West Bank, which he claimed had been dismantled by Israeli soldiers under political guidance.

He further asserted that these justices, who he believes should be investigated themselves, would later claim to appoint a commission to probe the failures leading to the "terrible massacre." Smotrich urged the Prime Minister and the Defense Minister to instruct the IDF not to cooperate with the court and to prevent the re-establishment of these "terror camps."

"Israel's security is non-justiciable and is entrusted solely to those who bear responsibility and were elected for this purpose by the people," Smotrich declared. He also reiterated his commitment to completing the judicial reform and strengthening Israel's security for future generations.

In separate news, former Defense Minister Bogi Ya'alon launched a sharp attack against journalist Amir Segal.