MK Rothman Slams Judiciary as 'Corrupt Power Destroying Israel'

Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman has sharply criticized Israel's judicial system, calling it a "corrupt power that is destroying the State of Israel." Speaking in a special broadcast interview on Monday, Rothman cited the testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in the ongoing Netanyahu trial as evidence of the need for a fundamental reform of the justice system. He argued that the power the judiciary has accumulated over the years, without proper oversight, has become corrupt and undermines the nation's foundational principles.

Rothman specifically addressed Mandelblit's testimony, alleging a quid pro quo arrangement where the former AG was offered favorable media coverage in exchange for upgrading an investigation to a full probe. Rothman suggested that, by Mandelblit's own definitions, he should be indicted for bribery, comparing the situation to the relationship between Netanyahu and Shaul Elovitch in the "Walla affair" and deeming it more significant.

In addition to his critique of the judiciary, Rothman warned about the potential loss of votes for right-wing parties in the upcoming elections. He urged voters to learn from past mistakes, referencing the 2019 election where the New Right party, led by Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked, failed to pass the electoral threshold despite polling well. Rothman revealed that the Religious Zionism party had proposed political unions with various right-wing factions, including Ofer Winter, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and the Noam party, to prevent vote fragmentation.

Rothman expressed disappointment that most smaller parties did not accept these union offers, warning that votes for parties that do not pass the electoral threshold would not be counted towards mandates and could inadvertently help form a government led by their political rivals. He concluded by urging national camp voters to support parties that are likely to pass the threshold.

Earlier in the interview, Rothman paid tribute to social activist Shafi Paz, who recently passed away. He described her as a "fighter" who was "larger than life" and dedicated to the people of Israel, recalling her long-standing activism for residents of southern Tel Aviv and her efforts to unite people from diverse backgrounds.