MK Simcha Rothman Blames Protesters for Hamas War, Defends Judicial Overhaul
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman stated in an interview that anti-judicial reform protests and reservist refusals "encouraged Hamas to go to war." He expressed no regret over the judicial overhaul, which he believes is necessary to fix the country. Rothman also controversially suggested Supreme Court Justice Yitzhak Amit is "guilty" regarding the events leading up to October 7th. He urged young people to vote, emphasizing their responsibility for Israel's future.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- MK Simcha Rothman claimed anti-judicial reform protests encouraged Hamas to start the war.
- Rothman expressed no regret over the judicial reform and called for its completion.
- He controversially stated Supreme Court Justice Yitzhak Amit is "guilty" regarding the lead-up to October 7th.
- Rothman criticized the Attorney General's role but praised her work ethic.
- He analyzed movie characters' political leanings, comparing Netanyahu to Superman.
- Rothman urged young people to vote, linking it to Spider-Man's "great power, great responsibility."
In a candid interview with "Date in the Knesset," MK Simcha Rothman, known for his serious parliamentary demeanor, revealed a more outspoken side. He expressed no regret over the judicial reform he championed, which was a focal point of widespread protests prior to October 7th. Rothman controversially stated that the anti-reform protests and the refusal of some reservists to serve "encouraged Hamas to go to war," questioning how the reasonableness clause legislation could lead to the IAF's unpreparedness on October 7th. He criticized those who "sit with terror supporters" and likened the Israeli government to Nazis, calling such comparisons "psychotic."
Rothman also addressed a physical altercation in March 2022 with former Knesset Speaker Miki Levy, which resulted in a security guard's injury. Rothman claims he still doesn't know the reason for the incident, and that the Knesset's legal advisor cleared him after an investigation initiated by Levy and his party. Regarding a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th events, Rothman argued against a commission appointed solely by Supreme Court Justice Yitzhak Amit, suggesting instead that all Knesset members should appoint its members. He provocatively stated, "Yitzhak Amit is certainly guilty," while exempting Knesset members.
Discussing the judicial system, Rothman asserted that the education system cannot be fixed without first reforming the judiciary, citing the Attorney General, Gali Baharav-Miara, as an example of a flawed role, though he acknowledged her diligent work in exposing these flaws. In a lighter segment, Rothman analyzed the political leanings of movie characters, classifying Superman as "left-wing" for his absolute pacifism and Lion King's Simba as "right-wing" for reclaiming his rightful place. He described Prime Minister Netanyahu as "like Superman" in a positive light, referencing the unfulfilled war motto.
Rothman also touched on his personal life, describing himself as not stubborn and claiming his wife is always right at home. He discussed his views on voting, urging young people to vote, drawing a parallel to Spider-Man's "With great power comes great responsibility" to emphasize their influence on Israel's future. He criticized politicians like Naftali Bennett for a perceived lack of loyalty to ideology, stating that without it, MKs become beholden to power, money, and honor.
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