Israel's Supreme Court President, Justice Isaac Amit, addressed a conference on violence against attorneys on Wednesday, warning about escalating hostility toward the judicial system. Amit argued that physical violence begins with verbal attacks, pointing specifically to statements by public figures and discourse on social media platforms.
"Violence against attorneys and judges does not emerge in a vacuum; the path to physical violence first passes through verbal violence," Amit stated. He continued: "If you wish to understand the ground upon which seeds of violence against the justice system are sown, look to the statements of public figures, turn to social media, and there you will find your answer."
The chief justice referenced the recent murder of attorney Arbel Feldman approximately a month ago, an event that prompted changes to the conference's focus. According to Amit, this case represents part of a broader pattern of verbal and physical violence directed at attorneys and legal professionals in the course of their duties.
Amit cautioned that attacks on lawyers carry consequences extending beyond personal harm. He warned that when attorneys and their families face harassment, threats, and violence, lawyers may become reluctant to accept complex or unpopular cases, ultimately undermining citizens' ability to obtain legal representation.
He also addressed incidents targeting judges themselves. He recalled an attack outside the home of Deputy Supreme Court President Justice Noam Solberg, during which "rioters broke windows and planters and damaged his home and vehicle" while Solberg and his family were inside.
"This crossed the line between protest, however sharp, and an attempt to harm the security and sense of safety of a judge and his family, and to deter him from fulfilling his role," Amit declared, characterizing the incident as "crossing a red line."
Amit added that "media attacks on judges over rulings they have issued have become routine." He cited campaigns against Deputy President of the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, Judge Oren Silberman, and Deputy President of the Nof HaGalil-Nazareth Magistrate's Court, Judge Ruth Shpilberg-Cohen. These attacks, he said, represent attempts to pressure judges based on their decisions.
He also described conditions inside courtrooms. Judges have been forced to remove disruptive individuals from proceedings, and in some cases courtroom doors have been closed to the public due to fears of disturbances. In extreme situations, court security has had to escort litigants and attorneys to their vehicles out of concern for their safety.
