Smotrich to Netanyahu and Katz: Order the IDF not to cooperate with the High Court

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich harshly attacked the High Court's decision requiring the IDF to present timelines for the return of residents of the refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams. Smotrich called on Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz to order the IDF not to cooperate with the court, arguing that the decision ties the IDF's hands and endangers Israel's security.

Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry, Bezalel Smotrich, issued a sharp warning this morning (Monday, October 12, 2026) following a High Court decision regarding the refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur al-Shams. In a decision reached last night, the High Court demanded that the IDF present timelines for the return of camp residents to their homes. Smotrich harshly attacked Justices Amit, Stein, and Kabub, calling them "irresponsible judges who understand nothing about security," who he said are tying the IDF's hands and could lead to the rehabilitation of terrorist infrastructure. He compared the intervention to the conduct preceding the October 7 massacre, and claimed that these same judges might be involved in determining the composition of the state commission of inquiry into the events, while he argued they themselves should be investigated. Smotrich called on the Prime Minister and Defense Minister to order the IDF not to cooperate with the court, and concluded with a call to complete the judicial reform.