Supreme Court judges warn of legal action as ministers launch fierce attack

Israel’s Supreme Court judges have issued a stark warning that public officials could face personal lawsuits over damages if they fail to comply with court rulings, following the government’s unprecedented statement rejecting a recent judicial decision. The warning came as part of an escalating confrontation between the judiciary and the government over the court’s authority. While contempt of court charges against the judges themselves have not been filed to date, the court has made clear that individuals or companies suffering losses from non-compliance with its verdicts may seek compensation through civil litigation. The statement represents a rare show of force from the bench in response to mounting political pressure from government ministers. Ministers have responded with inflammatory rhetoric, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich accusing the court of operating a protection racket through threats, whilst other government members have compared judicial actions to authoritarian and mafia-like tactics. The confrontation highlights deepening tensions between Israel’s executive branch and its judicial system, with questions mounting about the limits of government power and judicial enforcement mechanisms.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.