Smotrich Warns of Judicial Overreach Jeopardizing Security

Finance Minister and Religious Zionism party head Bezalel Smotrich stated that the Israeli judiciary is endangering national security, predicting that within a year, the High Court of Justice will compel the IDF to allow Gazans to return to their homes, thereby opening the door to Hezbollah terrorists. Smotrich made these remarks at a ynet and Yediot Ahronot conference, following a High Court ruling that mandated the advancement of plans and a timeline for ending operations in refugee camps in Judea and Samaria, in response to a petition filed by residents. He asserted that Israel's security is not subject to judicial review and that the army is responsible for it, criticizing the court as a "bunch of arrogant people who don't understand anything about security."

Smotrich explained that the IDF had professionally decided to evacuate residents from the three most dangerous refugee camps in northern Samaria to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and protect Israeli citizens. When asked if he expected the IDF and the Defense Minister to defy the court's orders, potentially leading to anarchy, Smotrich responded that he would not cooperate with such petitions and would not send legal representatives. He emphasized that the elected political echelon is responsible for Israel's security and provides answers, stating that if a regional commander deems it necessary to prevent car bombs by not allowing terrorists to return, they will not return, and that High Court justices will not endanger Israel's security.

He further claimed that the court's actions prior to the war, such as preventing the army from clearing Hamas demonstrations on the border, directly enabled the October 7th attacks, calling it a "severe strategic warning." Smotrich also commented on the political landscape, warning that Ofer Winter and his allies could cause the downfall of the right-wing bloc if they fail to pass the electoral threshold, leading to a Palestinian state, the dismantling of outposts, and the entrenchment of judicial dictatorship. He criticized Winter's anger towards Prime Minister Netanyahu, suggesting it was misplaced and would harm the Israeli people.

Smotrich expressed confidence in his own economic management and his significant influence on the war effort and reforms in Judea and Samaria. He indicated a desire to remain in the Defense Ministry, proposing to head a unit for optimizing military personnel within the ministry. He also discussed the political alliance between his party and Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud, noting a strengthening relationship despite attempts to sideline Itamar Ben-Gvir's Otzma Yehudit party. Smotrich urged Ben-Gvir to join forces for the sake of the national camp, criticizing his strategy of competing for votes against Netanyahu and Smotrich himself.

Regarding the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) sector, Smotrich acknowledged the challenges in integrating the population into Israeli society, the military, and the workforce, while also recognizing its positive aspects. He mentioned his efforts as Finance Minister to invest in this sector and highlighted the existence of state-Haredi schools that teach core curriculum and prepare students for military service. He also addressed the issue of Haredi conscription, stating that his party would not compromise on the matter and that a different conscription law would have already led to thousands of Haredi men serving in the army, significantly easing the burden on current soldiers. He criticized maximalists who opposed a compromise law and asserted his party's commitment to achieving results through hard work.