Israeli minister vows to 'run over' Supreme Court chief, sparking scandal
Photo: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Getty Images)
Judges and business leaders in Israel have expressed concern over the safety of the country’s Supreme Court chief, Isaac Amit, following threats made against him by a government official, marking another escalation in the conflict between the executive and judicial branches, according to Bloomberg.
In particular, 143 Israeli judges, including all living former chiefs of the Supreme Court, published an open letter stating that the actions of certain government members "pose a threat to the country’s democratic foundations." The authors also called on law enforcement agencies to ensure the personal security of the Supreme Court chief and all judges nationwide.
The statement was prompted by remarks from Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who had publicly criticized Isaac Amit using language widely perceived as a threat. The minister later refused to apologize, saying he could not find milder words to describe his attitude toward the actions of the judiciary.
The business community also joined the criticism. Executives from leading Israeli companies, including those listed in the Tel Aviv 35, said the minister’s rhetoric had crossed "all red lines" and could damage Israel’s international reputation. Business leaders noted that such statements are viewed negatively by rating agencies, especially amid recent downgrades of the country’s sovereign credit rating.
Within the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Supreme Court of Israel is often portrayed as an institution that, in their view, obstructs the will of voters. Supporters of judicial independence counter that the courts serve as a check on power and a safeguard for human rights.
In recent months, the Supreme Court has issued several high-profile rulings, including overturning the dismissal of the attorney general, blocking the appointment of a civil service commissioner, and suspending budget allocations to ultra-Orthodox schools that do not teach core subjects. The court also halted a decision to shut down Army Radio and criticized plans to establish a political commission to investigate the events of October 7.
Since Netanyahu’s return to power, the government has repeatedly sought to weaken the authority of the judiciary and other state institutions. These initiatives sparked mass protests in 2023 and are gaining renewed momentum ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for this year.
