Israeli Supreme Court Urges Withdrawal of Petitions Against UNRWA Ban Amid Heated Knesset Clash

The Israeli Supreme Court justices sharply criticized the evidentiary basis of petitions filed by left-wing and human rights organizations challenging laws banning UNRWA operations in Israel. The petitions, submitted on behalf of Palestinian refugees, were heard on Monday by justices Ofer Groskopf, Yechiel Kasher, and Yael Wilner, who indicated the petitions lacked proof of individual harm caused by the legislation and suggested they were likely to be dismissed. The court recommended the petitioners withdraw their appeals and granted them ten days to respond.

During the hearing, Justice Groskopf reprimanded the petitioners' attorney, Suad Bashara, for failing to present evidence of actual harm in affidavits. The justices noted that the Palestinian Authority continues to provide services to residents despite Israel ceasing UNRWA services in the West Bank, questioning the constitutional grounds for intervention without demonstrated rights violations.

The legal proceedings were overshadowed by a heated verbal confrontation in the courtroom between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, Knesset Member Tali Gottlieb, and attorney Shuaa Masarwa Manzur representing one of the petitioners. Masarwa Manzur insulted the politicians with derogatory terms, prompting Ben-Gvir to sharply retort and accuse the Bar Association of shame. The tension escalated until Justice Groskopf ordered Gottlieb removed from the courtroom after she clashed with Masarwa Manzur, who had previously told her to "go to your Bibi." Gottlieb protested her removal and warned the judge she would "restrain his power."