Israeli Supreme Court Criticizes Court Management Over Lawyer Safety

Israel's Supreme Court on Wednesday sharply criticized the Courts Administration for failing to establish clear written guidelines to protect attorneys from harassment and attacks within court premises. Justices Daphna Barak-Erez, Gila Kenfy-Steinitz, and Yechiel Kasher expressed their concerns during a hearing on a petition filed by five human rights organizations. These organizations, which often represent Palestinians in legal challenges, reported that their lawyers have faced escalating verbal abuse, threats, and physical intimidation from individuals present in and around the courts. The attorneys claim this behavior creates a threatening atmosphere and hinders their ability to perform their professional duties. One justice suggested designating specific areas within the courthouse for lawyers to work, thereby isolating them from the public. The petitioners, including the Public Committee Against Torture, Gisha, Yesh Din, the Center for the Defense of the Individual, and Physicians for Human Rights, cited instances from August 2024 where lawyers involved in cases concerning security detainees reported being targeted by right-wing activists. Some attorneys have reportedly become fearful of attending court sessions due to these attacks. The Courts Administration, represented by attorney Hadas Eran, acknowledged the problem but argued it is being handled appropriately and that the petition should be dismissed. However, Justice Barak-Erez countered that the administration's response lacked comprehensive directives, stating there was a gap between good intentions and practical tools. She also noted that while the administration claims protests are prohibited inside courthouses, this has not always been enforced, with signs even being displayed in courtrooms. Attorney Michael Sfard, representing the human rights groups, clarified that their aim is not to restrict legitimate protest but to prevent actions that impede lawyers' work, emphasizing that the current situation is unsustainable. He requested the court establish a designated protest zone. The court also heard from attorney Yehuda Foah, representing the father of a victim of the October 7th attacks, who labeled the human rights organizations as 'supporters of terrorism' and argued for the right to protest against them, a statement met with objection from Sfard and a pointed question from Justice Kasher regarding Foah's relevance to the case.