Supreme Court President Warns Public Figures Fueling Violence Against Judges

Supreme Court President Justice Yitzhak Amit has strongly condemned the escalating rhetoric directed at judges and legal professionals, linking public discourse to physical violence and expressing particular concern over heightened tensions during election periods. Speaking at a conference on combating violence against lawyers, Amit stated that verbal aggression is the precursor to physical violence, citing public statements and social media discussions as key contributors.

Amit referenced the recent murder of attorney Arbel Feldman, noting that this incident highlights a broader trend of verbal and physical abuse targeting lawyers and legal professionals. He warned that such attacks, which can extend to lawyers' families, may deter legal professionals from taking on complex or unpopular cases, thereby impacting citizens' access to legal representation.

He also addressed incidents targeting judges, including an attack on the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Sohlberg, where windows and plants were damaged while he and his family were inside. Amit described this as crossing a red line, moving beyond protest to an attempt to undermine a judge's security and ability to perform their duties. He noted that public criticism of judges for their rulings has become commonplace, citing attacks on Jerusalem Magistrate Court Deputy President Oren Silverman and Nof HaGalil-Nazareth Magistrate Court Deputy President Ruth Shpilberg-Cohen as attempts to pressure judges.

Amit described disruptions within courtrooms, with judges needing to remove individuals for disturbing proceedings and, in some cases, closing court doors due to fears of unrest. He also mentioned that court security sometimes escorts individuals to their vehicles out of concern for their safety.

Addressing the upcoming election period, Amit urged for moderation in public discourse. While acknowledging that elections naturally involve debate and criticism, he stressed the heightened responsibility during such times to speak carefully and engage in respectful, substantive dialogue. He concluded by emphasizing that combating violence is a shared responsibility involving the legal system, the Bar Association, law enforcement, public officials, the media, and the public, framing it as a struggle for the character of society.