Israel’s High Court of Justice heard arguments Sunday in a petition demanding that Gaza residents be permitted to enter Israel for medical care, but the hearing quickly shifted focus when the justices sharply criticized materials submitted by the petitioners and ordered inflammatory allegations against the IDF removed from the case file. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir attended the proceedings.

The petition, filed by Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, seeks to compel the government to allow patients from the Gaza Strip to receive treatment inside Israel.

During the hearing, Justice Alex Stein objected to one of the petitioners’ supporting documents, warning that it contained serious allegations directed at the IDF and the State of Israel.

“Withdraw the appendix, because it contains accusations and statements against the IDF and the State of Israel. If you do not remove it from the case file, there will be costs.”

Justice Yael Vilner likewise condemned the document, stating, “There is an accusation here against IDF soldiers that is without precedent,” before adding, “There is absolutely no justification for submitting a document that accuses IDF forces.” Following the court’s criticism, the petitioners agreed to withdraw the appendix.

Representing the state, government attorneys argued that Israel’s policy regarding Gaza patients fundamentally changed after the October 7 massacre. They explained that the Defense Minister now permits patients from Gaza to leave only for medical treatment in third countries rather than inside Israel.

The state told the court that 800 patients and accompanying family members exited Gaza through the Rafah Crossing in February, followed by 1,462 the next month and 1,820 in May, emphasizing that the current policy reflects ongoing security concerns.

Government lawyers also requested that the justices examine classified evidence in a closed, ex parte session. During the discussion, Justice Yechiel Kasher observed that the number of Gazans leaving for medical treatment today represents only about 10 percent of the volume seen before October 7.

Before entering the courtroom, Ben Gvir blasted both the legal challenge and the High Court itself.

Speaking to Arutz Sheva, he said, “It is simply outrageous that these people repeatedly exploit what is essentially their home field in the High Court. They know it’s home-field advantage-it’s like playing in the World Cup with the referee on only one side.”

Ben Gvir reiterated his call for sweeping judicial reform, declaring, “We’ve accomplished a great deal, but in the next elections I will demand full judicial reform.”

Attorney Yehuda Puah, chairman of the B’Tsalmo organization, also criticized the petition, arguing that organizations he believes support terrorism are attempting to force Israel to provide medical treatment to Gaza residents inside the country.

Puah said the state’s position remains that Gaza patients may travel through Israeli territory if another nation agrees to treat them, but that the petitioners are insisting specifically on treatment within Israel.

According to Puah, the justices indicated that exceptional humanitarian circumstances should have some form of review process. He quoted the court as saying, “There cannot be no mechanism; there cannot be no opening,” arguing that such a requirement would effectively create a pathway for Gaza residents to enter Israel.

Puah said he appeared at the hearing on behalf of 39 bereaved parents but was informed by Justice Vilner that he would not be allowed to address the court orally because the judges had already reviewed his written submission. He criticized the decision, saying the petitioners were permitted to argue their case in person while the bereaved families were denied the same opportunity.

According to Puah, the materials he submitted included publications that he says demonstrate the petitioners’ support for a terrorist organization, along with arguments that insufficient efforts had been made to locate third countries willing to accept Gaza patients. He also maintained that in previous cases, individuals who entered Israel for medical treatment later assisted Hamas by transferring information and materials, and argued that Israel should therefore avoid establishing any permanent framework allowing patients and their escorts to enter the country.

Puah concluded by emphasizing that Israel continues to permit patients to transit through its territory when another country is prepared to receive them, but opposes allowing Gaza residents to enter Israel itself for medical treatment.

{Matzav.com}