Clash Erupts in Israeli Supreme Court Over UNRWA Laws with Ministers and Lawyers Trading Insults

The Israeli Supreme Court held a heated session on Monday to discuss petitions filed by human rights organizations representing Palestinian refugees against laws regulating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which were recently approved by the Knesset by a large majority. The session saw participation from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, and Knesset members Tali Gottlieb, Yulia Malinovsky, and Boaz Bismuth.

Tensions escalated sharply during the hearing when Shuaa Masarwa, the attorney representing the petitioners, told right-wing representatives to "sit quietly," provoking a fierce response. Ben-Gvir, Cohen, and Gottlieb strongly rebuked Masarwa, while right-wing officials labeled him a "criminal" and "offender." Deputy Minister Cohen directly addressed the Supreme Court justices, asserting that he was the law's author and accusing the petitioners of being a criminal family responsible for destroying entire families. Cohen insisted these individuals deserved long prison sentences before storming out of the courtroom.

The dispute reflects deep divisions over UNRWA's role and Israel's legislative efforts to regulate or limit its activities. The court's deliberations continue amid calls from some lawmakers, including Malinovsky, for the complete removal of UNRWA from Israeli jurisdiction, threatening further legal challenges if the government does not act.