Court Issues Restraining Order Against Far-Right Activist Mordechai David

On Monday, a magistrate’s court in Israel issued a six-month restraining order against far-right activist Mordechai David. The order prohibits David from approaching Alon-Lee Green, the national co-director of the Standing Together organization, within 50 meters of his home and within 25 meters of Green himself. This decision followed a hearing that focused on a late-March incident at Green's residence, where David, accompanied by others, allegedly banged on Green's door and demanded he come out to answer questions. The court found sufficient evidence to justify the order, citing concerns that David's conduct had escalated from political protest to threatening harassment.

The Jerusalem Post

The restraining order stems from multiple incidents involving David, who has been accused of intimidating various public figures, including journalists and activists. Green's application highlighted not only the March incident but also other confrontations where David allegedly followed him, blocked his path, and engaged in aggressive behavior during anti-war protests in Tel Aviv. David has denied these allegations, and the court's ruling primarily relied on documented evidence from the incident at Green's home.

The Jerusalem Post

David's actions have drawn attention due to a pattern of harassment against public figures. In January, he was involved in an incident where he and others blocked the vehicle of former Supreme Court president Aharon Barak, leading to police questioning on charges including disturbing public order and trespass. Additionally, in February, David and another activist were questioned after allegedly confronting social activist Sigal Shukrun outside her home, during which her partner was reportedly struck.

The Jerusalem Post

The court's decision reflects growing concerns over David's behavior, as noted by the judge, who emphasized that this was not the first instance of David engaging in threatening harassment. The ruling adds to a list of accusations from journalists and activists who have reported similar intimidation tactics employed by David.

The Jerusalem Post

Critics of David's actions argue that his behavior undermines democratic discourse and poses a threat to public safety. The incidents involving Green and other public figures have raised alarms about the increasing hostility faced by those opposing far-right ideologies in Israel.

The Jerusalem Post

While the court's ruling is based on specific incidents, David's defense has consistently denied the allegations against him. There remains a lack of comprehensive data on the broader implications of such harassment on political discourse in Israel, as well as the effectiveness of legal measures like restraining orders in curbing such behavior.

The Jerusalem Post

• “A magistrate’s court on Monday issued a six-month restraining order against far-right activist Mordechai David, barring him from coming within 50 meters of the home of Standing Together national co-director Alon-Lee Green and within 25 meters of Green himself, after finding that David’s conduct crossed from political protest into threatening harassment.” — Court Decision

The Jerusalem Post