Rothman Slams Judiciary as Corrupt Force Destroying Israel

Member of Knesset Simcha Rothman of the Religious Zionism party sharply criticized Israel's judicial system, warning of potential vote loss for the right-wing bloc in upcoming elections. Speaking in an interview with Channel 14 on Monday, Rothman addressed the testimony of former Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit in the Netanyahu trial. Rothman alleged that Mandelblit's testimony revealed a quid pro quo relationship with journalists, where favorable coverage was exchanged for upgrading a review to an investigation. He described this as more serious than the bribery allegations in the Walla affair.

"The power the judicial system has accumulated is a corrupting and corrupt force that is destroying the State of Israel," Rothman stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive reform. He also addressed political concerns ahead of the elections, cautioning against separate runs by smaller right-wing parties and urging them to learn from the 2019 election results. Rothman revealed that his party had proposed a broad union with Ofir Winter, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and the Noam party to prevent vote wastage below the electoral threshold, expressing regret that these offers were not accepted.

Rothman also paid tribute to the late Sefi Paz, a South Tel Aviv neighborhood activist, describing her as a "dedicated and larger-than-life fighter" who struggled for the country's Jewish character and paid a heavy personal price.