Judicial ombudsman: Supreme Court justices erred by issuing protest rulings on Shabbat
The judicial ombudsman upheld complaints against Supreme Court justices over issuing substantive rulings on Shabbat, saying their conduct harmed public trust and case management
Assessment
The ombudsman's ruling adds a procedural layer to the fraught relationship between Israel's judiciary and its critics. By finding that the justices acted improperly, the ombudsman shifts focus from the content of the rulings to the process of their delivery. This decision may provide cover for those who question the court's authority while forcing the justices to defend their emergency protocols.