Israeli Finance Minister Urges Netanyahu to Defy Supreme Court on Palestinian Camp Returns
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refuse cooperation with the Supreme Court regarding the return of Palestinian residents to Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nour Shams camps. The High Court had asked the state to detail plans for displaced residents to return home by November 23, 2026. Smotrich argued that allowing residents back would endanger Israeli security and potentially aid terrorist infrastructure. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the government and the judiciary over security policy in Judea and Samaria.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged PM Netanyahu to defy the Supreme Court on Palestinian camp returns.
- The Supreme Court requested details on plans for displaced residents to return to Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nour Shams camps.
- Smotrich claims allowing residents back would endanger Israeli security and aid terrorist infrastructure.
- The IDF's "Iron Wall" operation in January 2025 caused extensive destruction in the camps.
- Israel cites ongoing security concerns and weapons discoveries as reasons to prevent resident returns.
- The dispute arises two weeks before the October 27 general elections.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday to order the IDF not to cooperate with the Supreme Court regarding the return of Palestinian residents to the camps of Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nour Shams. This stance follows a High Court of Justice request for the state to clarify measures for displaced inhabitants to return home. The court's decision does not mandate immediate return or the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the camps, with authorities given until November 23, 2026, to respond.
Smotrich's call to defy the judiciary escalates tensions between the political leadership and the judicial branch, particularly concerning Israeli security policy in Judea and Samaria. This confrontation occurs two weeks before the October 27 general elections, with security and government-court relations being key campaign issues.
The legal proceedings were initiated by six Palestinian residents and the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, who also seek provision for the humanitarian needs of displaced families. The judges noted that the "Iron Wall" military operation in January 2025 in northern Judea and Samaria caused extensive destruction, with over 400 buildings demolished and further damage from combat.
Israel argues that security conditions, including the ongoing discovery of weapons and explosives, prevent residents from returning. Smotrich contends that allowing residents back endangers Israel's security and could facilitate the rebuilding of terrorist infrastructure, asserting that security decisions should rest with the government, not the courts.
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