High Court hearing on Shin Bet's chief ouster erupts in chaos, judges forced to halt proceedings 

Supreme Court President Isaac Amit called a break in today's hearing on petitions challenging the dismissal of Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, following repeated disruptions — most notably a passionate outburst by Itzik Bontzel, whose son was killed in the war with Hamas.

Bontzel, visibly emotional, condemned the court for even entertaining the petitions. “Bar’s hands are dripping in blood,” he declared, insisting that since Bar had already accepted responsibility for the intelligence failures of October 7, there was no justification for the court to intervene in his removal. Court security was seen escorting Bontzel from the chamber.

Justice Amit, conferring with fellow Justice Daphne Barak-Erez during the commotion, announced a recess to restore order. “No court in the world can function like this,” he said, adding that the justices would reconvene with clear rules for the hearing.

Following their consultation, the panel decided the proceedings would continue without an audience in the room — but with a live broadcast to ensure public transparency while avoiding further disruptions.