Supreme court president says Smotrich’s threats against him ‘cross a red line’

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit says that comments by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that the government will “trample” on Amit are part of an effort to undermine the judiciary in Israel, but insists that they will not weaken the country’s judges and courts.

Writing to the judges and court officials of the entire judiciary, Amit thanks them for what he says are the numerous messages of support he received following what he describes as Smotrich’s “contemptuous words,” which he says “crossed a red line” but which would not make him change direction.

“Although the words were directed at me personally, their meaning is much broader – they are intended to harm each and every one of us, and especially the institution in which we serve. The message implied by the words seeks to undermine the status and role of the courts in a democratic state,” writes Amit.

“In times when the public discourse is fierce, the importance of strictly maintaining the boundaries of discourse within the courts is increased. We have the task of maintaining neutral conduct and ensuring that the courts will be, and remain, a place of respectful, inclusive and professional discourse,” continues the Supreme Court president.

Smotrich, in response, claims it is Amit who has “crossed red lines” by “kidnapping the job of Supreme Court president” — in reference to the High Court’s ruling, which Amit was not involved with, ordering Justice Minister Yariv Levin to hold a vote on appointing a new president after refusing to do so for 16 months.

“Trampling is what Amit is doing daily to the law, the people, democracy, the Knesset and the government,” continues Smotrich, refusing to use Amit’s title as Supreme Court president, or even judge.