Former Supreme Court President Hayut: We Are Sliding Toward the Brink of Anarchy

Former Supreme Court President Justice Esther Hayut commented today, Friday, on the break-in and vandalism at the home of Deputy President Justice Noam Sohlberg two days ago in Alon Shvut. "I thought it right to warn that alongside the complex security reality we face every day against our enemies, we are sliding toward the brink of anarchy at home," Hayut said. "At this dangerous crossroads, I thought it right to call on all of us to stop, come to our senses, and return to sane, ethical and responsible conduct, because our lives depend on it."

"In recent hours we have been witnessing calls by extremist groups to act against judges and other officials entrusted with law enforcement, including Israel Police officers and the military police," Hayut added. "These calls come in the wake of the thug-like rampage and the damage to the home of my colleague, Deputy President of the Supreme Court Noam Sohlberg. This rampage and other unusual and serious events taking place before our eyes constitute a continuing injury to the principles of our democratic system, בראשם the rule of law."

In the main edition last night, quotations from Supreme Court justices speaking in closed conversations with court professionals were published for the first time. "Our blood has been left forfeit, we are worried and afraid," the justices said. "A bright red line has been crossed. It is not far off that a Supreme Court justice will be harmed. These are the products of the incitement we have been experiencing every day for years."

Meanwhile, Channel 13 reported for the first time that courts across the country will not operate for about an hour next Sunday, for explanatory assemblies. Earlier yesterday, Supreme Court President Justice Yitzhak Amit issued a letter to the judges, writing that "the attack on the Sohlberg family home is an attack on the rule of law and the justice system." He added, "Last night an incident of unprecedented severity took place. This is a crossing of a red line, conduct that goes far beyond the bounds of legitimate protest and constitutes an attempt to harm the sense of security of judicial officeholders and their family members."

"The serious acts of violence directed at the Deputy President and his family are in effect an attack on the entire justice system and on the rule of law in the State of Israel," he added. "We condemn every act of violence, especially acts of violence directed at judges and public officeholders because of their role. The judiciary will not hesitate to take all measures at its disposal, in coordination with law enforcement and security agencies, to ensure your safety and security and to prevent such cases in the future."

President Amit also wrote, "Our appreciation and gratitude go to the men and women of the Court Security Service, who acted with determination, speed and great professionalism, in coordination with Israel Police, to restore order and return the sense of security to the Deputy President and his family. We also thank the employees of the Court Administration, who immediately stepped in and are accompanying the Deputy President with sensitivity and dedication, while providing comprehensive and swift assistance in repairing the property damage caused at the scene. We stand with the Deputy President and his family, who were forced to deal with these severe acts of violence. Attempts to exert pressure, intimidate or deter judges will not affect the performance of their duties. Judges of Israel will continue to carry out their work professionally, independently and without fear, in accordance with the law and their duty to the public."

In a statement issued yesterday by the court spokesperson, it was said: "The Judges' Representatives view very seriously the damage to a judge's home and property because of his judicial role. This is an unusual and serious incident, which crosses the bounds of legitimate protest and constitutes a wrongful attempt to instill fear in judges and harm the independence of the judiciary."

On Sunday, courts across the country will not operate for one hour, and between 10:00 and 11:00 explanatory assemblies will be held in all courts.