Dispute Emerges Between Netanyahu and Ultra-Orthodox Parties Over Supreme Court Representation in Yeshiva Students Detention Law Case

A behind-the-scenes dispute has developed in recent days between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's team and senior ultra-Orthodox party leaders ahead of Supreme Court hearings on petitions challenging the law freezing the detention of yeshiva students. The core issue is whether the government should request separate legal representation from the State Attorney to present an independent position supporting the law before the court.

Shas chairman Aryeh Deri opposes separate representation, arguing that appearing before the Supreme Court with an independent stance would implicitly recognize the court's authority to rule on the law. His circle also believes the court will likely invalidate the law regardless, rendering the legal battle ineffective.

In contrast, the United Torah Judaism party tends to support the demand for separate representation, asserting that the government itself must defend the law it enacted rather than relying solely on the State Attorney's position. However, even if the government opts for independent representation, it must find a lawyer willing to represent this sensitive stance. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that attorney David Peter has been approached and negotiations have taken place regarding his potential involvement.