Business Leaders Threaten to Shut Down Economy Over Government's Disrespect for High Court Ruling

The Business Forum, representing 200 business leaders, announced on Friday that they would shut down the Israeli economy if the government fails to respect the High Court's temporary order regarding the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar. In a statement, the forum declared: "If the Israeli government does not respect a court order and leads Israel into a constitutional crisis, we will call on the entire Israeli public to stop respecting the government's decisions with all that this implies, and we will shut down the Israeli economy."

The warning comes after the High Court issued a temporary order freezing the government's decision to dismiss Bar until a hearing is held. The petitions challenging the dismissal, filed by opposition parties and associations, highlight concerns over the political implications of removing Bar while the Shin Bet is investigating key figures in the prime minister's circle.

The statement from the Business Forum emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, warning that failure to do so would send Israel into a constitutional crisis. "If there is no law for the government, there is no law for anyone. Netanyahu, stop the internal deterioration of the country you lead," the forum added.

High-Tech Sector and Histadrut Join Growing Protests 

The high-tech sector echoed the Business Forum's sentiments, with companies threatening to suspend operations should the government disregard the High Court's ruling. "Violating a High Court of Justice order or any order of the court is a red line from which there is no turning back," stated industry leaders. "It will turn the State of Israel into a third-world country from which foreign investors will flee."

Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David also weighed in, stating: "I expect the Israeli government to uphold and respect every decision of the court, just as the government expects from its citizens, the Histadrut, and other organizations. The State of Israel is a state of law, and the government is not above the law."

Bar-David further warned that failure to respect the court's decisions would lead to a dangerous deterioration of Israeli society, likening the situation to anarchy. "It is unacceptable that the Israeli government intends not to uphold a ruling. I am following what is happening with concern and I hope that the government and its leader will come to their senses."

Universities and Local Authorities Protest

The administration of Reichman University joined the growing chorus of opposition, announcing that if the government leads Israel into a constitutional crisis, classes would be suspended. "Failure to respect the High Court's decisions undermines the legitimacy of the government and causes a constitutional crisis that endangers the very existence of the state," the university stated. "We will hold a dialogue with students regarding resistance measures - within the framework of the law."

In Givatayim, Mayor Ran Konik also expressed concern over the government's actions, noting that local authorities are discussing potential steps if the High Court's decision is ignored. "It would be one step before anarchy and none of us should agree to this," he wrote on social media.

Military Leaders Condemn Defiance of High Court

"Commanders for Israel's Security," an organization comprising over 530 senior reserve commanders, condemned the government's apparent intention to disregard the High Court's decision. "This is an act that will undermine Israel's values as a democratic state and harm national security," the organization stated.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the protests by downplaying the situation on social media. "There will be no civil war. The State of Israel is a state of law, and according to the law, the Government of Israel decides who will be the head of the Shin Bet," he wrote, hinting that the dismissal of Bar would stand despite the court's order.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Communications Minister Shlomo Krei, and Interior Minister Moshe Arbel all expressed defiance against the High Court's ruling. Krei specifically remarked that the court had no legal authority to interfere in the government's decision, while Smotrich commented that the High Court should not have a say in military and security matters.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Moshe Arbel assured the public that the government, led by Netanyahu, would not violate court decisions. However, Arbel, along with two other ministers from Shas, did not participate in the vote on Bar's removal.

 Nation Faces Tensions as Protests Grow

As protests from business leaders, academics, and political figures intensify, the State of Israel finds itself at a critical crossroads, with the government and the judiciary in direct conflict. The High Court's decision to freeze Ronen Bar's dismissal has opened a contentious debate over the separation of powers and the rule of law in Israel. With multiple sectors of society now voicing their opposition, the coming days could prove pivotal for the future of Israel's political and legal landscape.