Israeli Lawyers Face Rising Threats and Violence Following Recent Murder and Arson Attacks

The murder of attorney Arbel Feldman last week, shot by a client over a financial dispute, has intensified fears among Israeli lawyers about their personal safety. Just days after Feldman's killing, attorney Hila Maimoni Shriki's office in Netivot was set ablaze, leaving the premises completely destroyed. Maimoni Shriki, who specializes in social security and tort law, believes the arson was committed by one of her clients and now lives under constant protection, with her staff relocated to other branches.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern of violence against lawyers in Israel, including the 2013 shooting of attorney Natan Zorno and the 2008 car bomb killing of criminal lawyer Yoram Hacham. Many lawyers, including those in family and civil law, report ongoing threats and physical attacks. Attorney Ayelet Davidov Sa'ar recounted receiving threats and harassment from clients linked to criminal backgrounds, forcing her to relocate for safety.

Former police officer and lawyer Ronen Ben Tzvi was severely assaulted in Jaffa by a neighbor and his son, leaving him with irreversible brain damage and unable to speak. Despite indictments and convictions, Ben Tzvi's family criticizes the police investigation and court sentencing as inadequate. Similarly, family law attorney Dvora Shoshan has faced violent attacks and persistent harassment from a client's abusive ex-husband, leading her to change residences and demand stronger police protection.

The Israeli Bar Association has responded by establishing a hotline for threatened lawyers, coordinating with police, and advocating for legislation to classify attacks on lawyers as assaults on public officials. Following Feldman's murder, the Bar postponed its September conference to focus on violence against legal professionals and other public service workers. However, many lawyers express frustration with law enforcement's handling of threats and call for immediate protective measures.

Police investigations into the arson and assaults are ongoing, with initial suspicions pointing to business disputes and personal conflicts. The legal community continues to grapple with the reality that threats and violence have become an alarming occupational hazard, affecting lawyers across criminal, civil, and family law sectors.