Israeli Judiciary's Role in Jerusalem Post-October 7: A Shift Towards Extremism
Since the outbreak of the Battle of the Flood of Al-Aqsa on October 7, the Israeli judiciary has increasingly aligned itself with the policies of extremist Jewish movements, undermining the principles of justice and impartiality that are foundational to any judicial system. Legal experts, such as Khaled Zabarqa, argue that the judiciary has long served as a tool for implementing the occupation's plans, but this alignment has intensified following the recent conflict.
Lawyer Khaled Zabarqa highlights that representatives from far-right movements have infiltrated the Israeli judicial system, including the courts and the police. This infiltration has transformed the judiciary into an apparatus that enforces not only state policies but also the more radical agendas of these extremist groups. The current environment has led to judges prioritizing security services' whims, resulting in arbitrary decisions that favor state control and suppress Arab presence in Jerusalem.
Additionally, the Israeli Ministry of Interior has imposed significant barriers on Jerusalemites, especially regarding family reunification procedures and residency permits. Muhammad Shahabi, a lawyer at Al-Quds University, notes that these changes reflect a broader trend of discrimination and racism within the judicial system against Arabs. The Ministry's demands for excessive documentation have made it increasingly difficult for Jerusalemites to navigate legal processes, exacerbating the already challenging living conditions in the city.
The situation has led to unprecedented restrictions and financial burdens on the residents of Jerusalem, as the Israeli government seeks to exploit the ongoing conflict to further its displacement policies. With the international community's focus diverted to Gaza, the judiciary and state apparatus have taken this opportunity to intensify their actions against the Palestinian population in Jerusalem.
