High Court of Justice President Yitzhak Amit is a "violent, destructive megalomaniac" trying to "steal Israeli democracy," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Monday in an extraordinary attack on the judiciary's head.
Speaking during a Religious Zionist Party faction meeting at the Knesset in Jerusalem, Smotrich added that Amit's authority will be "trampled on" by the Israeli government in response to his alleged attempt to "steal" Israeli democracy.
Smotrich's sharp attack on the head figure of Israel's judicial branch drew widespread criticism, with the judiciary's spokesperson saying the finance minister's threat to "trample" Amit does not constitute a legitimate part of public discourse.
"This is an extremely serious statement, made with the intent to intensify violent and inflammatory discourse against the judiciary and its head," the spokesperson added.
Israeli opposition figures: Smotrich's comments will end in blood
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 red line" 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 added. Labor MK Gilad Kariv stated that if someone attempts to assassinate an Israeli judge, "the blame will rest on Smotrich and his accomplices" due to his comments.
Israeli Bar Association head Amit Bachar also condemned Smotrich's comments, claiming that the finance minister "should sit behind bars, rather than the cabinet."