Asher Cola

Ombudsman for the Judiciary Asher Cola found complaints against Judge Michal Agmon-Gonen justified due to her activity in the 'Israel Women's Network' WhatsApp forum and her recommendation of a lawyer appearing before her, but determined that there was no room for disciplinary proceedings.

The Commissioner for Complaints against Judges rejected a complaint against a magistrate judge who compared a lawsuit to the children's book "Ayelet Travels". The plaintiff claimed mockery, but the commissioner ruled: it is part of judicial independence. The magistrate judge expressed regret over the complainant's feelings.

The familiar practice of conducting discussions and mediation 'off the record' is now being re-regulated, with the aim of increasing transparency and public trust in the judicial system. The guidelines set by the ombudsman, retired judge Asher Cola, require, among other things, the documentation of compromise proposals and discussions where recording has been paused.