Israeli Lawyers Face Rising Threats and Violence Following Recent Attorney Murder

The murder of attorney Arbel Feldman last week in his office has intensified fears among Israeli lawyers, highlighting a growing pattern of threats and violence against legal professionals. Feldman was shot by a client over a financial dispute, an incident that shocked the legal community but is not unprecedented. Over the past decades, several Israeli lawyers have been attacked or killed by clients or related parties, including the 2013 murder of attorney Natan Zhorno and the 2008 bombing of criminal lawyer Yoram Hacham's car.

Just days after Feldman's murder, attorney Hila Maimoni Shriki's office in Netivot was set on fire, leaving the premises destroyed. She believes the arson was committed by one of her clients and has provided names to the police. Maimoni Shriki, who specializes in social security and tort law, now lives in fear, with security measures in place and staff relocated to other branches. She warns that "today they burned my office, tomorrow they might burn a car with someone inside."

Threats and attacks are not limited to criminal lawyers. Civil attorneys also face serious dangers. Attorney Ayelet Davidov Sa'ar recounted being targeted by criminals sent by a client after a financial dispute, including vandalism and a home intrusion. Attorney Ronen Ben Tzvi, a former police officer, was severely injured in an assault by a neighbor's son during a property dispute, resulting in permanent brain damage and loss of speech. The attackers received prison sentences, but the family criticizes the police investigation and court rulings as insufficient.

Family law attorney Dvora Shoshan has also endured physical attacks and ongoing harassment from a client's abusive ex-husband, including threats, stalking, and repeated violations of restraining orders. Despite numerous police complaints, she feels the authorities have failed to provide adequate protection.

The Israeli Bar Association has responded by establishing a hotline for threatened lawyers, enhancing security services, and advocating for legislation to increase penalties for attacks on legal professionals. Following Feldman's murder, the Bar postponed its annual conference to dedicate a special day to addressing violence against lawyers and other public service providers. However, lawyers continue to express fear and frustration over the lack of effective protection and enforcement.

Police investigations into recent incidents, including the arson and assaults, are ongoing. Authorities describe the arson as likely stemming from a business dispute and confirm indictments against those involved in the attack on Ben Tzvi. The Bar Association and lawmakers are pushing for stronger measures to safeguard legal practitioners amid rising societal violence.