Activists block ex-court chief Barak after he slams government for flouting ‘social covenant’

Right-wing activists block former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak from driving out of a parking lot after he lambastes the government for having violated Israel’s social contract by advancing sectoral interests as opposed to those of the entire country.

In his fiery speech, Barak asserts that Israel’s Declaration of Independence no longer reflects the values of the country.

Speaking at an event dubbed “The First Liberal Congress” held by the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, Barak lambastes the government and its ministers for what he says is a campaign of delegitimization against the judiciary; for failing to tackle criminal violence and murder in the Arab sector; failing to establish a state commission of inquiry into the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks, and for striking a “political deal” to enshrine in law ultra-Orthodox exemptions from military service.

After concluding his speech and leaving the event, far-right activist Mordechai David, together with other right-wing agitators, block Barak’s car from leaving the parking lot, calling him a “dictator” and “criminal,” before the 89-year old retired judge is able to drive away, Hebrew media reports.

בתום הכנס של התנועה לאיכות השלטון, חוסמים מרדכי דוד ופעילים נוספים את רכבו של נשיא בית המשפט העליון לשעבר, אהרן ברק, ומונעים ממנו לצאת מהמקום

(צילום: תומר אפלבאום) pic.twitter.com/NFvvh621o0

— Yair Foldes (@Yair_Foldes) January 28, 2026

“Government ministers display contempt for the judicial branch and for its head, Supreme Court President Justice Isaac Amit. There are calls not to comply with court rulings, attacks on judges, and continuous delegitimization of the judiciary,” says Barak in his speech.

The former Supreme Court president alleges that the delegitimization campaign against the judiciary has been prompted by “the refusal to do the obvious — to establish a state commission of inquiry following the events of October 7.”

Amit, as president of the Supreme Court, would appoint the members of such a commission were the government to establish one, and critics have alleged that the attacks on Amit are designed to justify the government’s refusal to create such a commission.

“The social covenant that underpinned the state since its establishment has been breached… rulers act in favor of sectoral interests,” continues Barak.

“The Declaration of Independence no longer expresses our shared values,” the former judge further laments.

“Our Arab citizens — who, under the Declaration of Independence, are entitled to full and equal citizenship — are discriminated against and exposed to violence that the police, for some reason, fail to eradicate,” he says.

He bemoans controversial legislation being advanced by the government to enshrine military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men.

“Equality in sharing the burden of war has been replaced by a political deal,” says Barak.