Israeli Supreme Court President Apologizes for Remarks on Haredi Tech Use

President of the Supreme Court, Justice Yitzhak Amit, has responded to complaints lodged against him following a public statement that sparked controversy regarding technology and communication habits within parts of the Haredi community. The issue, which concerned the alleged parallel possession of kosher phones and smartphones, drew significant public criticism and led to formal complaints. Justice Amit sought to clarify his original intentions and apologize for the distress caused. In an official document, Amit stated, "At the same time, reviewing the complaints indicates that my words offended parts of the Haredi public, which was not my intention at all." He further added that upon reviewing a recording of the original discussion, he realized the remarks should have been phrased differently given the high public sensitivity surrounding the topic. "I believe that given the public sensitivity of the issue, it would have been better if the statement in question had been phrased and presented differently, and I regret that the words offended the feelings of the complainants or others in this context," Amit said. The original statement at the center of the dispute ignited heated discussions in political and media circles. Some within and outside the Haredi sector viewed the remark as an offensive generalization, while others, including political figures, argued it reflected a known and existing reality of daily life.