High-profile case8/20/2026

Complaint Against Judge Michal Agmon-Gonen Found Justified

The Ombudsman for Complaints Against Judges, retired Judge Asher Kula, upheld the complaints filed against Judge Michal Agmon-Gonen, including a complaint by the Im Tirtzu movement. He determined that her participation in a WhatsApp group and her recommendation of a particular attorney constituted violations of the rules of ethics.

Key facts

•Decision by the Ombudsman for Complaints Against Judges
•Ombudsman: retired Judge Asher Kula
•Judge: Michal Agmon-Gonen
•Publication date: August 20, 2026
•Filer of one of the complaints: the Im Tirtzu movement
•Neither a case number nor a court name was provided

What Led to the Complaints

The allegations concerned the judge's conduct in a WhatsApp group belonging to the Women's Lobby's Women Lawyers Forum. According to the ombudsman's assessment, the group featured polarizing political discussion, but the judge remained a member.

What the Ombudsman Decided

Asher Kula determined that the judge's conduct breached the rules of ethics and the duty of judicial restraint. He also determined that her recommendation of attorney Tomer Varsha, along with her statement that he was “the best,” constituted an ethical violation.

What Steps Were Recommended

The ombudsman recommended that the judge sever her ties with the forum and leave the group. The source does not report the imposition of disciplinary measures or other sanctions.

The Complainant's Position

The Im Tirtzu movement, which filed one of the complaints, stated that the judge's departure from the group was insufficient. The organization called for institutional and disciplinary measures, but the source does not state whether such measures were taken.

What this means for you

The decision shows that the requirements of judicial restraint also apply to communications within closed groups, particularly when political discussions take place there. A public recommendation by a judge of a particular attorney may likewise be considered an ethical violation. However, the publication does not indicate that the judge was referred for disciplinary proceedings.

Find a lawyer for this topic

Case analysis based on court rulings