Attorney Yoram Sheftel Condemns Israeli Supreme Court Ruling as Illegal Overreach

Attorney Yoram Sheftel sharply criticized Israel's judiciary and Attorney General in a heated interview on Channel 14, focusing on the controversial Case 4000 and a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the Second Authority Council. Sheftel described Case 4000 as the result of "thousands of criminal offenses" committed by what he called a "gang of corrupt police investigators" and "criminals within the prosecution." He accused the top echelons of the State Prosecution and the National Police Investigations Department of severe criminality, led by the Attorney General and former officials.

Regarding the Supreme Court's decision on the Second Authority Council, Sheftel rejected the ruling's legitimacy, stating it was not a valid judgment and accused the court of blatantly violating the Basic Law on the Judiciary. He argued that the court acted beyond its authority by reviving the defunct council and issuing a ruling contrary to the law. Sheftel praised the government's announcement that it would not implement the court's decision, framing it as a necessary stance against judicial overreach.

Sheftel also criticized President Isaac Herzog, claiming he sides more with criminals than with the state and should have declared any unauthorized government actions invalid. He referenced a 1981 Supreme Court ruling affirming the legality of settlements in Judea and Samaria, implying current judicial decisions deviate from established legal principles. Sheftel's comments reflect ongoing tensions between Israel's government branches over judicial authority and legal interpretations.

The controversy centers on the Supreme Court's intervention in the Second Authority Council's status and the broader implications for judicial power and government sovereignty. The government’s refusal to comply with the ruling signals a deepening constitutional dispute. Further developments are expected as the political and legal battles continue.