Two senior justice correspondents for one of Israel’s major networks, Channel 13 News, were verbally harassed outside the Jerusalem District Court Nov. 16 while covering the trial of former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One's yarmulke was knocked off his head by cane. While this was taking place, Netanyahu was inside the courthouse with his attorneys and several members of the Likud who had come to support him. Videos of the attacks soon went viral on the social media networks.

The correspondents — Aviad Glickman and Baruch Kra (whose yarmulke was knocked off) — are just two of several journalists targeted by associates of Netanyahu over the past few years for allegedly spreading propaganda against him. Netanyahu's trial, which pits the former premier and his supporters against major media figures, has inflamed an already familiar atmosphere.

The corruption and breach of trust trial has produced intense emotions on both sides. Netanyahu’s supporters believe that that the charges are an abuse of justice and that he was framed. They identify with him and share feelings of persecution.

We are just at the beginning of the Netanyahu trial, which is expected to last a long time. This toxic atmosphere will likely continue as long as the proceedings are underway.