Story perspectives

Israeli Minister's Threat Sparks Judicial Safety Concerns

1/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister, threatened Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit, saying, 'we will run him over'.
An open letter signed by 143 judges warned government actions threaten democracy and called for improved safety for judges.
Business leaders condemned Smotrich's remarks as incitement and urged accountability.
The Supreme Court has overruled key government decisions, including ousting the attorney-general and funding for ultra-Orthodox schools, heightening tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration.

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Story summary

Bezalel Smotrich, Israeli Finance Minister, threatened Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit, saying, 'we will run him over'.
An open letter signed by 143 judges warned government actions threaten democracy and called for improved safety for judges.
Business leaders condemned Smotrich's remarks as incitement and urged accountability.
The Supreme Court has overruled key government decisions, including ousting the attorney-general and funding for ultra-Orthodox schools, heightening tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration.