A loud confrontation developed today (Monday) in the Supreme Court, during a hearing on petitions filed against UNRWA laws, between National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and MK Tali Gottlieb and attorney Shuaa Masarwa Mansour, who represents the petitioners.
The confrontation developed after the lawyer, who previously served as mayor of Taiba, spoke harshly towards the two.
In response, Ben Gvir and Gottlieb shouted at him: "Get out of here, who gave you a lawyer's license? Shame on the Bar Association.".
Minister Ben Gvir later addressed the substance of the discussion: "The law puts an end to the absurdity in which the State of Israel allowed UNRWA to operate within its territory and ceases official cooperation with the organization. This is a correction of an injustice that has lasted for years. I hope that the High Court of Justice will reject the petitions and not harm this important law.".
The High Court hearing was conducted on petitions filed by human rights organizations against UNRWA laws approved by the Knesset.
MK Boaz Bismuth, who initiated the UNRWA laws together with Kobi Samarno, the father of Yonatan Samarno, told Channel 7 that this is a "disgrace." He mentioned that Yonatan Samarno was murdered and his body was dragged to the Gaza Strip by a UNRWA employee, and claimed that the law was enacted following the involvement of the organization's employees in the October 7 massacre.
""I have difficulty understanding by what authority the High Court of Justice discusses a law that has won broad consensus in the Knesset," said Bismuth. "If there is a consensus in the State of Israel, it is the fight against terrorism. Has the High Court become the advocate of Hamas?""
MK Tali Gottlieb also sharply attacked the debate - telling Channel 7: "It's unbelievable that I'm coming to a high court for terrorists, a high court for terrorists, a high court for supporters of terror - and not just a high court for justice.".
According to her, the petitions are based on "130 pages of lies and slander," which are intended to lead to the repeal of Knesset laws.
She added: "The Knesset and the government have already decided on the issue. This discussion should not have lasted even a single minute.".
Gottlieb estimated that the High Court of Justice would not overturn the UNRWA laws, but warned against the very existence of repeated proceedings on the issue.
During the hearing, Judge Ofer Grosskopf criticized the petitioners' claims and questioned the evidentiary basis presented to the court. Grosskopf noted that in order for the court to intervene in Knesset legislation, the petitioners must show a violation of the rights enshrined in the Basic Laws.
