David Amsalem, Israel’s Minister for Regional Cooperation, expressed grave concerns over the potential detention of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting it could spark civil unrest. In a Radio Galey Israel interview on Wednesday, Amsalem criticized calls to imprison Netanyahu, describing them as “nonsense” and a “coup par excellence.” He warned that such actions could lead to physical confrontations between citizens, escalating into violence.
The warning follows a High Court petition that suggested Netanyahu should be removed from office due to his ongoing corruption trial. While the court reviewed the petition earlier this month, legal advisors found no grounds for action. Amsalem, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, warned of potential civil disobedience, such as blocking courts or preventing judges from entering, should the court order Netanyahu’s detention. He likened the scenario to imagining the police detaining a high-ranking official like Israel’s Police Chief in public, an action he deemed unimaginable.
Netanyahu has denied all charges, framing them as part of a political attack. His supporters, including Amsalem, argue that the legal proceedings are politically motivated and warn of the consequences of judicial overreach.
