Former Supreme Court president Esther Hayut on Friday warned that Israel was heading to “the brink of anarchy,” denouncing Wednesday’s violent attack on the home of deputy chief justice Noam Sohlberg by ultra-Orthodox rioters.

In a statement, Hayut expressed alarm over “extremist groups” that call to act against law enforcement, including the police and judges.

“This riot and other irregular and grave incidents occurring before our eyes constitute an ongoing violation of the principles of our democratic regime, primarily the principle of the rule of law,” said Hayut, who served as court president from 2017 to 2023.

“In light of these events, I saw fit to warn that alongside the complex security reality that we deal with daily, we are sliding toward the brink of anarchy at home. At this dangerous crossroads, I saw fit to call upon everyone to stop, to come to our senses, and to return to sane, ethical, and responsible behavior, because our lives depend on it.”

Dozens of Haredim protesting against the military draft gathered at Sohlberg’s home in the Alon Shvut settlement Wednesday evening and shattered windows, broke flowerpots by the front door of the house, smashed the windshield of a car in the garage and displayed a small Israeli flag with a swastika in place of the Star of David. Police arrested 62 people in connection with the incident.

The violence at Sohlberg’s house came days after a group of Haredi protesters........

© The Times of Israel