Shas MK Michael Malchieli Criticizes Israeli Supreme Court as Political Body Favoring Opposition

Shas Member of Knesset Michael Malchieli sharply criticized the Israeli Supreme Court on Wednesday, accusing it of acting as a political entity that supports the opposition and misunderstands the ultra-Orthodox public. Speaking on the Kan 11 news program "This Morning," Malchieli referred to the court's recent hearing on the law freezing the detention of draft-dodging ultra-Orthodox men. He argued that since the court members' positions were predictable and the Knesset legal advisor presented political rather than legal arguments, the government should not have sent a representative to the hearing.

Malchieli stated, "We do not trust this political body that has taken a stance against the ultra-Orthodox community for years, especially regarding the persecution of Torah scholars. There was no genuine discussion of the law yesterday, as with other laws." He also addressed the issue of ultra-Orthodox conscription into the Israel Defense Forces, emphasizing that the ultra-Orthodox community seeks to regulate Torah study status through legislation and is a law-abiding public. He accused some individuals of exploiting the situation to sabotage the law and said the court has effectively become an opposition faction.

In response, MK Gilad Kariv of the Democratic Party criticized Malchieli's remarks, warning that calls to disobey the Supreme Court and disregard its rulings could lead to anarchy. Kariv highlighted the low public trust in the Knesset and cited unrest in the territories as a warning sign.

Following the hearing, the Supreme Court issued an interim injunction freezing the draft-dodger detention law. Government Secretary Yossi Fox argued against interfering with the law, stating the country needs ultra-Orthodox recruits, not detainees. The legal advisor's representative, Attorney Enar Helman, called the law "flawed and harmful," asserting it did not meet constitutional limitations and that the Knesset must legislate properly. Meanwhile, senior government officials decided to concede to the Supreme Court regarding the draft-dodger detention and communications laws, acknowledging legislative defects.