Supreme Court Chief Justice Isaac Amit issued a rare public letter to the judiciary on Tuesday, condemning what he described as violent and inciting rhetoric directed at him and at the judicial system, and vowing that the courts would not be deterred from their role in a democratic state.
The letter followed an extraordinary attack by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich a day earlier, in which the minister referred to Amit at a Religious Zionist Party faction meeting as a “violent, predatory megalomaniac who steals Israeli democracy” and warned that “the result will be that we will crush him.” These remarks have sparked a political and institutional storm.
In his letter – addressed to judges, registrars, and court employees nationwide – Amit said that dozens of messages had reached him since Monday afternoon in response to what he called “words of abuse” aimed at both him personally and the judiciary as a whole. He acknowledged the sense of personal insult and harm expressed by members of the judicial system, but made clear that the rhetoric would not alter his conduct or leadership.
Smotrich's statements 'crossed a redline'
“Although these statements crossed a redline in my view,” Amit wrote, “they will not divert me from my path. I will continue to lead the judicial branch with my head held high, with discretion and statesmanship, out of full commitment to the public mission entrusted to me.”
Amit stressed that while the remarks were directed at him personally, their implications were far broader.
“Their significance extends well beyond the personal,” he wrote. “They are intended to harm each and every one of us, and above all, the institution in which we serve.”
He warned that such language seeks to undermine the standing and role of the courts in a democratic system, but emphasized that it would not succeed.
“Statements of this kind will not weaken us,” Amit said. “Our strength lies in our daily, professional, and devoted work on behalf of all the citizens of Israel.”
Calling on judges and court staff to remain focused on their responsibilities, Amit wrote that the most effective response to attempts to intimidate the judiciary was to persist in their work.
“The best answer to these efforts to harm us is to continue on our course – each person in their post and role,” he said.
President Isaac Herzog responded to Smotrich’s attack, saying that his “use of such a violent expression as ‘trampling’ is dangerous,” adding that “elected officials have a duty to conduct a decent and clean discourse.”
The judiciary warned that threats against judges constituted incitement and had no place in legitimate public debate. Opposition leaders described the remarks as a redline, with several calling for increased security for the Supreme Court chief justice.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not publicly condemn Smotrich’s statements, which were made against the backdrop of the government’s years-long effort to weaken the courts through its controversial judicial overhaul.
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, by contrast, voiced support for Smotrich, writing on X/Twitter that the finance minister’s words should be “carried out,” and urging the government to defy High Court rulings and curtail public broadcasters.
Smotrich, Justice Minister Levin hit back at Amit
On Tuesday, Justice Minister Yariv Levin responded to Amit’s letter, decrying the Supreme Court chief justice as having “no sensitivity and no respect for the Israeli Knesset, the Israeli government, and their status.”
Levin then accused Amit of routinely trampling on the rights, faith, and ballots of citizens by “trying to harness all of Israel’s judges to his cart that is racing toward the abyss.
“Judge Amit sent a letter today, in which he reveals himself to be a sensitive person,” Levin stated, adding that Amit is “sensitive to his honor, and his honor alone.”
Smotrich also struck back at Amit for the letter, standing by his Monday statements.
“Crossing a redline is what Isaac Amit did when he usurped the position of chief justice of the Supreme Court without authority,” he asserted.
“I will not be led astray,” the finance minister added. “I will continue to adhere to the biblical commandment, ‘You shall not be envious of anyone.’”
MKs and other political figures from the opposition also denounced Smotrich’s statement. Blue and White leader, MK Benny Gantz, said on Monday that the finance minister “crossed a redline” with his comments, which represent a “new low in the coalition’s unhinged attack on the judiciary.”
“What begins with such words could end with blood,” Gantz warned.
Labor MK Gilad Kariv stated that, if someone attempts to assassinate a judge, “the blame will rest on Smotrich and his accomplices” due to his comments.
Israeli Bar Association head Amit Bachar similarly condemned Smotrich’s comments, saying the finance minister “should sit behind bars, rather than the cabinet.”