Finance Minister Smotrich Urges PM Netanyahu to Order IDF Non-Cooperation with Supreme Court

Finance Minister and Minister in the Ministry of Defense Bezalel Smotrich sharply criticized the Supreme Court on Monday following its decision demanding the IDF present timelines for the return of residents to terror camps in Jenin, Tul Karem, and Nur al-Shams. Smotrich called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Defense Minister to instruct the IDF not to cooperate with the court.

The Supreme Court's ruling, made Sunday evening, reportedly intervenes in operational considerations and directs IDF activity in a key area of terror infrastructure in the northern West Bank. Smotrich accused the three justices involved, Amit, Stein, and Kabub, of endangering Israel's security and being irresponsible individuals who do not understand security matters. He warned that their actions could lead to the rebuilding of terror infrastructure that Israeli forces had dismantled.

Smotrich drew a parallel between the court's intervention and the events preceding the October 7th massacre, stating that the court is once again tying the IDF's hands, thereby enabling the resurgence of Arab terror infrastructure in the northern West Bank. He further suggested that these same justices, who he believes should be investigated themselves, might be involved in appointing a committee to probe the failures leading to October 7th.

In an unusual and direct appeal, Smotrich urged the political leadership to order the IDF to refuse cooperation with the court and prevent the re-establishment of terror camps. He asserted that Israel's security is non-justiciable and rests solely with those entrusted with responsibility and elected by the people. Smotrich concluded by emphasizing his commitment to completing the judicial reform and fortifying Israel's security for future generations.