Jerusalem Court Allows Protesters Near Supreme Court Judge’s Home to Attend Sabbath Prayers but Keeps House Arrest

The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court rejected the request by four suspects involved in the violent protest at Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg’s residence to lift their house arrest. The suspects, residents of Beit Shemesh, had sought release following an indictment filed against them for the mass disturbance outside the judge’s home last month. The court partially granted their request, permitting them to leave for Sabbath prayers, but maintained the house arrest order.

During the recent hearing, the prosecution strongly opposed the release, warning of ongoing tensions and violent demonstrations in the area. Judge Ofir Tishler emphasized the severity of the charges, noting the danger posed by the suspects’ actions aimed at intimidating a Supreme Court judge over a contentious public issue. The judge highlighted that the suspects joined a violent group that damaged property and nearly breached the judge’s home.

Judge Tishler also referenced the broader context of unrest related to the controversial issue of drafting ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students into the military, which has sparked frequent protests and violence within the Haredi community. He expressed concern that the suspects might respond to calls for further intimidation against citizens or public servants involved in the draft debate. Given the ongoing heated public atmosphere and the seriousness of the charges, the judge ruled that lifting house arrest was not appropriate at this time.

The organizers of the protest have yet to be apprehended, and the legal proceedings against the four suspects continue amid heightened societal tensions over the military conscription issue.