High Court Justices Evacuated as Protesters Breach Security During October 7 Inquiry Hearing

Protesters tried to storm the High Court in Jerusalem, forcing the evacuation of justices during a hearing on the October 7 probe. Read the full report.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 4:40 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Times of Israel

Security Breach Forces Judicial Evacuation in Jerusalem

Chaos erupted at the High Court of Justice on Thursday as security guards rushed seven justices out of their seats and into a secure wing of the building. The evacuation was triggered by a mob of protesters who attempted to force their way into the courtroom while the bench was deliberating on the legal necessity of a state commission of inquiry into the October 7 atrocities. Footage from the scene showed a large, vocal crowd chanting slogans against the judiciary, accusing the court of political overreach. A court security guard reportedly interrupted the active hearing, informing the justices that the breach of the outer perimeter necessitated an immediate cessation of the session for their personal safety.

Clashes Between Families and Security Personnel

The escalation followed a morning of intense mutual recriminations between bereaved families gathered outside the court. Pro-government demonstrators, who oppose a state commission in favor of a politically appointed body, scuffled with security guards as they tried to bypass barriers. These protesters argue that a judicial probe, led by a judge appointed by the Chief Justice, would be inherently biased against the current administration. In contrast, families supportive of the probe were seen shielding the court’s entrance, asserting that only an independent judicial body can provide the transparency required to honor the victims of the Hamas invasion.

The Court’s Preemptive Move Toward a Closed Hearing

In a decision issued Wednesday night, the High Court had already taken the rare step of closing the hearing to the public. Judicial officials cited credible intelligence suggesting that organized groups intended to interrupt the proceedings and prevent the justices from hearing the government’s arguments. Despite these precautions, the sheer volume of the crowd gathered in Jerusalem proved difficult for the standard security detail to manage. The court’s decision to hold a "closed-door" session had already drawn sharp criticism from coalition members, who characterized the lack of public access as a blow to democratic transparency.