Ex-chief justice Barak: Slippery slope of violence could end in murder of judge, civil war

Fearing they could be targeted next, dozens of judges reportedly warn that Haredi extremist riot outside deputy chief justice’s home could have a chilling effect on judicial system

Dozens of judges have contacted their court administrators to express worries in light of the attack on Supreme Court Deputy President Noam Sohlberg’s home by Haredi extremists, saying they fear the violence will reach their homes and families as well, Israeli television reported Thursday.

Judges also said they were concerned that Wednesday’s riot will make it harder to do their work, chilling the justice system, according to Channel 12 news.

The Israel Judges’ Association, which represents the interests of judges in dealings with the Israel Courts Administration, has announced meetings in all courts around the country on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. to discuss the impact of the attack on Sohlberg’s home and the need to ensure that judges can perform their duties without fear.

Former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak told Channel 12 that the riot has made him very worried about the safety of judges, warning that Israel was on a slippery slope that could lead to the murder of judges.

Barak also expressed concern about the increasing violence in Israel in general, and the possibility that societal divisions could even lead to a civil war.

“It started with protests in the courtrooms, and… continued on to what happened with Judge Sohlberg, and it could come to the murder of a judge,” Barak said.

“Our society has become more violent for reasons that are known and we are heading for a growing national schism, and I will not be surprised that if the necessary steps aren’t taken… principally by the government and principally by the prime minister, then we will even get to a civil war,” he continued, adding that he does not believe such an eventuality will happen in the immediate future.

Government chastisement of top law enforcement officials is partly responsible for the increase in antipathy toward anyone involved in checking government power, Barak said. He mentioned legislation being advanced to gut the attorney general’s position of almost all authority, which is part of the coalition’s efforts to weaken the judiciary.

“It’s clear that there are attacks on the courts, and when there are attacks on the court and on a judge, be he conservative, activist, whatever his position is, the very fact that he acts as a check on the governing authorities bothers them and they want to be rid of him,” said the former chief justice, who also expressed concern for the integrity of the upcoming elections.

Barak’s comments came after his successor Dorit Beinisch said earlier in the day that the attack on Sohlberg’s home in the Alon Shvut settlement was another stage in the decline of Israeli democracy and the rise of violent lawlessness. She blamed the top political leadership for the deterioration in adherence to the rule of law, pointing as one example to a comment by Justice Minister Yariv Levin earlier this week, indicating that he would not abide by a High Court ruling.

“We should not be surprised [by such events], when a government minister can announce that a ruling of the High Court of Justice is illegal and that he will not comply with it,” said Beinisch. “Because if there is no need to obey the judiciary, the law, then anything is permitted — lawlessness. This is the atmosphere we are living in, and it endangers everyone.”

Current Chief Justice Isaac Amit, meanwhile, called the attack an assault “on the entire judicial system and on the rule of law in the State of Israel.”

“Attempts to exert pressure on, intimidate, or deter judges will not affect the performance of their duties. Israel’s judges will continue to carry out their work professionally, independently, and without fear, in accordance with the law and their duty to the public,” Amit and Judge Tzahi Ouziel, director of the Court’s Office, wrote in a letter to judges and other court employees.

They added that the judicial authority will take any action necessary to protect judges and other court staff.

The incident at Sohlberg’s house was the latest violent protest against the arrest of Haredi draft dodgers at the home of a top official, which Channel 12 reported is part of a planned campaign.

“This is a contingency plan that has been around for a while,” an organizer told the network, while appearing to threaten further demonstrations. “There is more than one High Court judge.”

Police arrested 62 of the rioters outside Sohlberg’s home, 18 of whom were freed to house arrest on Thursday. The other 44 were ordered to remain in custody until the middle of next week.