"The pubic expects the punishment to fit the crime," President Shimon Peres said Monday evening during a swearing-in ceremony of judges at his official residence in Jerusalem.
Supreme Court president Dorit Beinish told those on hand, "The security rings protecting each individual have been worn down as of late."
According to her, the new judges are being appointed at a time in which "an atmosphere of violence and criminal phenomena characterized by complete disregard for human life" have become rampant.
"Over the past few months we have been exposed to severe domestic violence and cruelty against women and children," said Beinish.
"The violence and disregard for human life can also be seen on our roads, which are more dangerous than ever. Without increased police presence and an efficient prosecution mechanism, the campaign to reduce violence and crime will not succeed," the head of the Supreme Court said during the ceremony.
President Peres added that Israel's justice system is being scrutinized by the international community. "Whether we like it or not, Israel is being judged on an almost daily basis by the entire world, and global public opinion is influenced by elements that are oblivious to Israel's situation and are not responsible for (the country's) fate," he said.
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