Legal Correspondent Criticizes Israeli Supreme Court President Over Judge Silverman's Defamation Case Handling

Guy Peleg, legal correspondent for Channel 12 News, sharply criticized Supreme Court President Isaac Amit and the judiciary leadership for their weak response to attacks against Judge Oren Silverman. Silverman, deputy president of the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, faced severe criticism following his ruling in a defamation lawsuit filed by Knesset member Simcha Rothman. Peleg, who covered the Rothman case, clarified he has no personal ties with Silverman and initially found the judge's hostility during the hearing excessive. However, after Silverman dismissed Rothman's defamation claim, Peleg felt compelled to defend the judge amid harsh public backlash.

Peleg expressed disappointment with President Amit and court administration for not forcefully condemning the "vile attacks" on Silverman. He described the criticism as part of a "poisonous machine" and suggested that judges outside the Supreme Court face harsher attacks. Peleg concluded by questioning whether President Amit is intimidated or fearful, implying a lack of strong leadership.

This controversy follows the Jerusalem Magistrate Court's rejection of Rothman's defamation suit against Peleg, Channel 12, and Keshet, in which Rothman sought over one million shekels. The court ruled the defendants proved the truth of their publication, dismissing Rothman's claim that he was misquoted. Peleg's post appeared about a week after the ruling, highlighting ongoing tensions between political figures and the judiciary in Israel.