Protesters' attack on Supreme Court vice president 'crosses red line,' Isaac Amit says

Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit and Director of the Courts Justice Tzachi Uziel have issued a strong condemnation following a violent incident at the home of Supreme Court Vice President Justice Noam Sohlberg. Protesters, identified as haredi (ultra-Orthodox) individuals, caused damage to Sohlberg's home and vehicle on June 3, while the vice president, his wife, children, and grandchildren were inside.

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This crosses a red line, behavior far beyond the bounds of legitimate protest, and is an attempt to undermine the sense of security of judicial officeholders and their families.

"This crosses a red line, behavior far beyond the bounds of legitimate protest, and is an attempt to undermine the sense of security of judicial officeholders and their families," Amit and Uziel stated in a letter to all judges. They described the acts of violence as "unprecedentedly serious" and an "attack on the entire judicial system and the rule of law in Israel." The judiciary affirmed its commitment to taking all necessary measures, in coordination with law enforcement, to ensure the safety and security of its employees and prevent future occurrences.

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This represents crossing a red line and an attack on the entire judicial system and the rule of law in Israel.

The protest was reportedly against the jailing of yeshiva students who had not complied with army recruitment orders. Images from the scene show ultra-Orthodox men protesting outside Sohlberg's home in Alon Shvut, with visible damage to windows and a vehicle. The court leadership expressed appreciation for the swift and professional response of the court guards and the Israel Police in restoring order and securing the vice president's family.

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Last night, an unprecedentedly serious incident occurred. During a violent and unruly protest outside the home of the Supreme Court vice president, rioters smashed windows and flowerpots, causing damage to his home and vehicle. This happened while the vice president, his wife, children, and grandchildren were inside and witnessed the disturbances.

Amit and Uziel emphasized that the judiciary "will not hesitate to take all measures at its disposal" to protect its officials. They also thanked the courts administration staff for their rapid and sensitive assistance in repairing the property damage. The incident highlights a significant escalation in tensions between certain segments of the ultra-Orthodox community and the judicial system over issues of military conscription.

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We condemn all manifestations of violence, particularly those aimed at judges and public officials because of their positions. The judiciary will not hesitate to take all measures at its disposal, in coordination with law enforcement and security agencies, to ensure your safety and security and to prevent such incidents in the future.