Supreme Court Chief Justice Links Violence to Attacks on Judges

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Isaac Amit, stated that verbal attacks against lawyers and judges by public officials and social media users can escalate to physical violence. Speaking at an emergency conference convened by the Israel Bar Association following the murder of attorney Arbel Feldman, Amit noted an increase in violence targeting legal professionals. "Unfortunately, it seems that this incident is part of a broader phenomenon we have been witnessing lately, where we are witnessing violence, both verbal and physical, directed at lawyers and legal professionals solely for performing their duties," Amit said. He also referenced disturbances at the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Noam Sohlberg and recent threats against him. Amit asserted that "the path to physical violence begins with verbal violence." The Chief Justice urged politicians to exercise restraint during election campaigns, choose their words carefully, and engage in substantive and respectful dialogue.