Verbal Clash Erupts Between Israeli Minister Ben Gvir and Arab Lawyer at Supreme Court Hearing

A heated verbal confrontation occurred on Monday outside the Supreme Court during a hearing on petitions against UNRWA laws. The dispute involved National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, and Knesset member Tali Gottlieb, who faced off against attorney Shuaa Masarwa, representing one of the petitioners challenging laws banning UNRWA activities in Israel.

During the exchange, Masarwa directed harsh insults at the public officials, calling Gottlieb "pathetic" and labeling Ben Gvir a "dog" and "criminal." Ben Gvir responded sharply, demanding Masarwa leave and questioning his legal credentials, calling it a disgrace to the Bar Association. Gottlieb also intervened, demanding to know how Masarwa dared speak to the minister in such a manner.

The tension continued inside the courtroom, with Masarwa telling Gottlieb to "go to your Bibi," prompting the presiding judge, Ofer Groskopf, to remove Gottlieb from the session for disrupting proceedings. Gottlieb protested the decision, warning the judge she would "restrain his power."

The hearing itself focused on petitions against the UNRWA laws, with the judges noting a lack of evidence for specific harm and recommending the petitioners withdraw their appeals. The incident highlighted the charged atmosphere surrounding the controversial legislation and the deep divisions between the parties involved.