Supreme Court President Amit Apologizes for Remarks on Haredi Phones

Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit expressed regret on Thursday for comments he made during a High Court of Justice hearing, stating that significant portions of the Haredi public use "kosher phones for show" alongside smartphones. The remarks were made during a petition concerning the expansion of broadcast areas for regional radio stations that cater, in part, to the Haredi community.

Following the comments, four complaints were filed with the Commissioner for Public Complaints Against Judges. The complainants argued that the statement was offensive and dismissive towards the Haredi public. Amit explained in his response that he was addressing a factual issue raised in the petition regarding the extent of the Haredi public's use of kosher phones and its implications for accessibility to Home Front Command alerts. He emphasized that he did not intend to offend the Haredi sector.

After reviewing a recording of the discussion, Amit wrote, "It would have been better if the statement that is the subject of the complaints had been phrased and expressed differently, and I regret that the words hurt the feelings of the complainants or others in this context." The Commissioner for Public Complaints Against Judges, Acher Kola, determined that given the President's explanation and expressed regret, the complaints could be considered resolved.