JERUSALEM (VINnews) – An Israeli judicial oversight official has upheld a complaint against Chief Rabbi David Yosef over public remarks criticizing the country’s judiciary during a dispute surrounding a High Court hearing that took place on Shabbat.

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In a decision released Thursday, retired Judge Asher Kula, who serves as commissioner for complaints against judges, concluded that the chief rabbi’s comments fell outside the scope of his official responsibilities and therefore were not entitled to the special protections generally afforded to statements made in the course of performing his duties.

Kula said the remarks directed at Israel’s High Court of Justice crossed the line from legitimate public criticism into rhetoric that could undermine public confidence in the judicial system. He wrote that senior public officials, particularly those serving in judicial or quasi-judicial roles, are expected to maintain a level of restraint in their public statements.

The complaint stemmed from comments Yosef made during a public controversy over the High Court’s decision to convene a hearing on Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath. The issue sparked criticism from some religious leaders and lawmakers, who argued that holding judicial proceedings on the holy day showed insufficient respect for religious observance. Others defended the court’s authority to schedule hearings when circumstances require.

While upholding the complaint, Kula did not impose disciplinary measures or other sanctions against the chief rabbi.

In the same decision, however, the commissioner rejected a separate complaint concerning Yosef’s criticism of a High Court ruling requiring the Chief Rabbinate to permit women to take examinations for rabbinical certification. Kula determined that matter falls within the chief rabbi’s official responsibilities and that his comments on the issue did not warrant intervention.

The ruling marks the latest chapter in longstanding tensions between Israel’s judiciary and some religious and conservative leaders, who have accused the courts of overstepping their authority in matters involving religion and state. Supporters of the judiciary argue that the courts play an essential role in safeguarding the rule of law and protecting individual rights.