Journalist Guy Peleg Criticizes Supreme Court President Itzhak Amit Over Lack of Support for Judge Oren Silverman

Guy Peleg, legal correspondent for Channel 12 News, sharply criticized Supreme Court President Itzhak Amit and the Israeli court administration for failing to defend Judge Oren Silverman following public backlash against Silverman's ruling in a defamation case. The case involved Knesset Member Simcha Rothman, who sued Silverman for defamation after Silverman dismissed Rothman's claim. Peleg clarified that he has no personal relationship with Silverman and even perceived hostility from the judge during the hearing, yet he expressed support for Silverman amid the criticism.

Peleg condemned the court leadership for their "weak" response to what he described as a "vile attack" on Silverman, suggesting that the judge's lower court status might have contributed to the lack of institutional backing. He questioned whether President Amit was intimidated or reluctant to intervene, stating, "Is it possible that President Amit is deterred? I fear so."

This controversy follows a Jerusalem Magistrate's Court ruling last week that dismissed Rothman's defamation lawsuit against Peleg, Channel 12, and Keshet, which sought over one million shekels in damages. The court found that the defendants successfully proved the defense of truth in reporting. Peleg's comments highlight tensions within Israel's judiciary regarding public and political pressures on judges.