Top Israeli Judge Slams Public Discourse Fueling Violence Against Legal System

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit sharply criticized the public discourse targeting the justice system on Wednesday, asserting that statements by public figures and social media posts are creating fertile ground for violence against judges and lawyers. Speaking at a conference by the Israel Bar Association focused on combating violence against legal professionals, Amit stated that violence against lawyers and judges does not arise in a vacuum, and that verbal aggression often precedes physical attacks.

"If you want to know the soil in which the seeds of violence against the justice system are sown, look at the statements of public figures, turn to social media, and there you will find the answer," Amit declared. He emphasized that harm to lawyers is not merely a private matter, as they serve as a crucial link between citizens and the law. He warned that fear of threats or harm could deter lawyers from taking on complex or unpopular cases, thereby impairing citizens' right to effective legal representation.

Amit highlighted a recent "wild demonstration" outside the home of Supreme Court Justice Noam Sohlberg, where windows and plants were broken while Sohlberg and his family were present. He characterized this as crossing a red line, moving beyond protest to an attempt to harm a judge's sense of security and deter them from their duties. He also noted increased extremism within courtrooms, with judges having to remove individuals causing disturbances and, in some cases, closing courtrooms to the public due to fears of unrest, with hearings broadcast live instead.

In light of the escalating situation, Amit called on law enforcement authorities to prosecute those who engage in violence or threats against legal officials. He assured that the judiciary would use all legal means to protect judges, staff, and the public. Amit linked the harsh public discourse to a decline in trust in the justice system, lamenting that judges and lawyers are subjected to personal attacks and baseless accusations, portraying the system as working against the public.

He stressed the heightened importance of moderating violent discourse during the current election period, urging public figures and all participants in public discourse to exercise restraint, choose their words carefully, and maintain respectful, substantive dialogue. Amit concluded by calling for cooperation between the judiciary, the Bar Association, law enforcement, elected officials, and the media to combat violence, expressing full confidence in Israeli judges and lawyers to perform their duties with responsibility, professionalism, independence, and without fear.

Israel Bar Association President Amit Becher echoed these sentiments, stating that harm to lawyers undermines the rule of law, democracy, and all citizens. He called for decisive enforcement, deterrent punishment, and protective mechanisms for legal professionals. Becher also announced plans for legislative amendments to equate assaulting a lawyer with assaulting a public official and the appointment of a dedicated project manager to exclusively handle cases of threatened and attacked lawyers.