Israeli Incitement Report: February 2023
Israeli Incitement Report: February 2023
I. Against the Palestinian People
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 26 February)[1]
“We are acting against terrorism with all means – military operations, thwarting terrorists’ attacks, in passing the bill to exile families of terrorists[2], and today, a law on the death penalty to terrorists[3]. Our answer to terrorism is to hit it with force and strengthen our hold on our land.”
Yoav Gallant, Minister of Defense, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 22 February)
“IDF, Shabak, and Yamam[4] fighters acted with bravery in the center of Nablus Kasbah[5] against terrorists who planned to carry out an attack inside Israel (…) Let every terrorist know that the long arm of the security system will reach him. We will chase and reach our enemies.”
Yair Lapid, Head of the opposition, Member of Knesset for the Yesh Atid party (Twitter, 22 February)
“I congratulate the IDF, Shabak, and Yamam forces who acted in Casbah, Nablus, against the terrorism cells. The fight against terrorism requires determination, persistence, and an iron fist. The terrorism cells and their masters know that our security forces will get them anywhere and will do anything to protect the citizens of the country.”
Im Tirtzu Movement[6], (Twitter, 23 February)
“Disgrace! Following the elimination of the terrorists yesterday[7] in Nablus, today, there will be support demonstrations: of Hadash[8] and Maki[9] on the Jmaijmeh intersection near Arabah[10] (17:00) and of Hirak, Balad[11] and Jafra cells[12] at the Prisoner’s Square, Haifa (20:00). We call on the police to be vigilant in face of incitement and violence, and to enforce the law.”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 22 February)
“I adore the heroes from Yamam, Shabak, and IDF for eliminating the terrorists in Nablus. Whoever harms Israel, we will reach them anywhere they will be and serve them a devastating blow without compromise. Our fighters give their soul to keep us all safe, which is why we must thank them. I spoke to the police commissioner, and we agreed to expand the police force around the country.”
Almog Cohen, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, (Facebook, 22 February)
“I support the Yamam, IDF, and Shabak fighters for their surgical and precise elimination of a cell that intended to carry out an attack in Nablus in the very near future.Let our enemies know we will chase them, get them, and we will not return until the end. Well done.”
Ofir Katz, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 10 February)
“(…) The response to these animals[13] must be harsh and deterring, without mercy, they cannot be completely fearless. Next week we will respond with the completion of the legislation to revoke the citizenship and exile terrorists, and whoever plans to resist is welcome to explain it to the bereaved families[14](…).”
Issac Shimon Wasserlauf, Minister for Development of the Periphery, Negev, and Galilee, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Facebook, 10 February)
“(…) In the face of terrorism, there is only one path – to rule with an iron fist, without consideration, without restrictions, and without legal and political limitations. Minister Ben Gvir must get expanded authority in East Jerusalem to implement his policy, to defeat and burn Palestinian terrorism and incitement cells, including house demolition, revoking residency, and exiling families of terrorists.”
Michal Miriam Woldiger, Deputy Minister of Finance, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party, (Twitter, 22 February)
“Absurd. Until today, terrorists in jail had expansive free health care, one that includes plastic surgery. Tonight, at the plenum, another step towards saying: “Sometimes, the party is over.” I am happy I had the right to be the initiator of the bill[15], and I thank Knesset members Yitzhak Kroizer[16], Sharren Haskel[17], and Tzvika Foghel[18].”
Eliyahu Revivo, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 13 February) [19]
“I promise to do everything in my power to make sure that this time, the strike will be complete, no smuggling of chocolate bars and other sweets.”
Shlomo Karhi, Minister of Communications, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 15 February)
“Today, we passed the bill to revoke the citizenship and exile terrorists from the State of Israel. 94 Knesset members voted against the position of the State Attorney General[20], which stated that there is a legal objection to doing so. A legal objection to protect the lives of the citizens of the State of Israel. Exactly because of that, judicial reform is needed. This is the beginning of sovereignty, and it’s only the beginning.”
Galit Distel Atbaryan, Minister of Information, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 10 February)
“Not only sealing[21]: This week, the bill to revoke the citizenship and exile terrorists who receive payment from the Palestinian Authority will be put to a second and third vote[22].
In addition, the bill to exile families of terrorists will be put to a preliminary vote. If the High Court of Justice dares sabotage these bills too – then the right will have to go to the streets as well.”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 1 February)
“I ordered that the terrorists’ Pitta bakeries[23] in prisons be shut down. I am committed to preventing terrorists imprisoned in Israel from having benefits and luxuries, and to denying them “benefits” that can be withheld by law. For terrorists, the death penalty bill must be legislated, but until then, we must make sure they are treated as terrorists.”
Amihai Ben-Eliyahu[24], Minister of Heritage for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 1 February) [25]
“A pitta bakery for killers of Jews? This is how they managed a fight against terrorism here. There are parents who go visit their children’s graves every day, while these bastards have a bakery in prison. This is not how you defeat terrorism. Before taking significant actions to hurt killers and their supporters, we must stop the pampering. Minister Ben Gvir will restore the state’s sanity.”
Almog Cohen, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Facebook, 1 February)
“The enemy[26] smells weakness in Khan Al-Ahmar[27], and in response, we receive attacks from Gaza. I will take extreme measures if there is no decisive and powerful response. My loyalty lies first and foremost with the residents of the Negev and the South (…)”
Eli Dallal, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 1 February)
“The new government’s response to the High Court of Justice, which is trying to avoid the eviction of Khan Al-Ahmar, is a dangerous precedent and endorses the Palestinians’ illegal construction[28]. We were elected to change the stuttering policy of the previous government and not continue it. It is still not too late to act and evict Khan Al-Ahmar.”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party, (Twitter, 27 February)
“I arrived to the town of Evyatar[29] and I stated that the policy of containment must stop. Our state needs to be the one combating terrorism, smashing terrorists[30] and build and establish towns, in Evyatar, Judea and Samaria[31], and the entire State of Israel.”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 11 February)
“I am determined to execute “Operation Defensive Shield 2[32] ” in Jerusalem. For the information of those who are speaking against me, with the police’s authority to demolish illegal houses, arrest over 150 targets, raid houses, stop the incitement in the mosques, arrest tax evaders, and much more. The Cabinet meeting is important, and I will request more there, but sovereignty is very important, and I will make sure that is how it will be.”
Michal Miriam Woldiger, Deputy Minister of Finance, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 12 February)
“There is no such thing as a “single” attack[33], when an Arab mob is inciting and celebrating. Enough of inventing wrong conspiracies and lying to the public. The incitement and support for terrorism bring horrific murders of Jews. I will request firm and strong action to be taken against those who celebrate the death of our children.”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 14 February)
“Shame and disgrace! The anarchist Issa Amro[34], who frequently bothers IDF soldiers in Judea while doing their job, does it again, only this time, he had a film crew of an American news agency[35]. I fully support the soldier who did not remain quiet. Soldiers must be supported, not jailed.”
Hanoch Dov Milwidsky, Member of Knesset for the Likud Party (Facebook, 23 February)
“The images from yesterday are not appropriate for the Israeli Knesset, and I hope that next time Cassif[36] praises terrorists and defames Israeli soldiers, I will demonstrate the appropriate restriction. However, since this is a lowly terrorism supporter, an enemy of Israel, cruel and vile. I will never accept the presence of him and his likes in the Knesset.”
II. Against President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Leadership
Zeev Elkin, Member of Knesset for the National Unity Party (Twitter, 19 February 2023)
“In the end, the winner in the fight for authority in Judea and Samaria between Yoav Glant and Bezalel Smotrich is Abu Mazen[37] and the Palestinian Authority. Starting now, Netanyahu gave them veto rights on promoting Israeli construction in Judea and Samaria and for the demolition of illegal Palestinian construction in Area C. A dangerous precedent that we will have trouble getting out of it in the future.”
Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism Party (Twitter, 2 February)
“Yesterday, for the first time, I signed a double deduction of the PA’s terror fund[38] that it transfers to the families of terrorists. We deducted 100 million NIS from the PA instead of the 50 million. An additional 200 thousand NIS, which will be transferred as compensation to families harmed by terrorism according to the court’s ruling.
The Authority[39] funds terrorists, but the State of Israel says enough. The citizens of Israel will not be a part of this farce.”
Orit Malka Strock, Minister of National Missions , Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism Party (Twitter, 7 February)
“A national government doesn’t suspend the settlement expansion in the land of Israel, and most definitely not abandon the area for hostile Palestinian takeover. Point. And an exclamation mark!”
Amichai Chikli[40], Minister for Social Equality and Pensioners and Minister of Diaspora Affairs for the Likud party (Twitter, 10 February)
“Importing the terrorism organization PLO[41] from Tunisia to our country was apparently one of the worse strategic disasters in the history of Israel. In addition to accelerating the exile of terrorists’ families and the immediate demolition of their homes, a heavy price must be collected from the Palestinian Authority, who raised a generation of youth in the spirit of Hitler Youth (…)”
III.Additional Examples
Almog Cohen, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Facebook, 14 February)
“I congratulate the police officers and fighters of the Negev district, under the command of Brigadier General, Nahshon Nagler, for a quality and offensive operation[42]. Israeli police will continue reaching the criminal terrorism cells and return the sovereignty and personal security to the residents of the Negev.”
Ad Kan[43] (Twitter, 27 February)
“Israel continues to close its eyes to funds from the UN and EU that continue flowing to the Palestinian land registration project and destroying Jewish ownership over Area C lands, on the way to establishing a Palestinian state. This will not make headlines, but committee discussions on the event of last night in Huwara[44] will (…)”
Yoav Gallant, Minister of Defense, Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 12 February)
“Tonight, at the Cabinet, we made a series of important decisions to strengthen the Jewish settlement in Judea and Samaria. Organizing the settlements and approving housing units put Zionism and the settlement as a top priority. In the face of terror, our answer is clear: we will continue establishing, building, and settling (in settlements).”
Ofir Sofer, Minister of Immigration and Absorption, Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party, (Twitter, 23 February)
“I congratulate the chairman of my party, Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant[45], for the agreements[46] reached for the advancement of the settlements in Judea and Samaria. Transferring the civil authority to Minister Smotrich will significantly improve the citizens’ lives, the development of settlement along with enforcement and uncompromising fight against the Arab attempts to take over area C.”
[1] The tweet responds to the settlers' attacks against the town of Huwara and its nearby villages in the Nablus governorate on 26 February.
[2] On 15 February, the Israeli Knesset passed a law to withdraw residency or citizenship from Palestinians who are accused of "terrorism" and receive financial assistance from the Palestinian National Authority. The law also permits the deportation of their families. Check Ha’aretz article.
[3] On 26 February, a bill proposal was approved by Israel's ministerial committee on legislation, which would grant permission to carry out the death penalty against Palestinians accused of committing "terror acts." Subsequently, on 1 March, the bill passed a preliminary hearing in the Knesset.
[4] In reference to the Israeli occupation forces, Israel’s Security Agency, and Israel's “National Counter Terror Unit”. On 22 February, Israel launched a military operation into Nablus city killing 11 Palestinians and wounding several others.
[5] Al-Qasaba (Casbah) quarter in the old city of Nablus.
[6] An extremist Zionist organization.
[8] Hadash, the Democratic Front for Peace and Equality, headed by MK Ayman Odeh, is a political party representing the Palestinian citizens of Israel.
[9] In reference to the Communist party, which is a part of Hadash.
[10] A Palestinian Arab city within Israel proper.
[11] Balad is another political party representing the Palestinian citizens of Israel.
[12] Referring to the student activism group affiliated with Balad.
[13] Referring to the Palestinian resistance.
[14] Referring to Jewish families.
[15] Concerning a bill proposal that would eliminate some health services provided to Palestinian prisoners inside Israeli prisons.
[16] MK for the Otzma Yehudit party.
[17] MK for National Unity party
[18] MK for the Otzma Yehudit party
[19] This post responds to an article published in the Israeli newspaper Maariv on the Palestinian prisoners’ hunger strike planned for Ramadan.
[20] These bills were opposed by the Israeli State Attorney General.
[21] Referring to the Israeli occupation forces sealing the houses of families that Israel views as “terrorists.”
[22] A bill proposal must pass three votes in the Knesset assembly to become law.
[23] Referring to the bread bakeries that Palestinian prisoners operated in two Israeli prisons.
[24] A former Knesset member for Otzma Yehudit, Minister Amihai Ben-Eliyahu resigned from the Knesset at the end of December 2022 but remained in the government as a Minister.
[25] This post responds to an article regarding Palestinian prisoners operating bakeries in Israeli jails.
[26] In reference to the Palestinian people.
[27] According to Ha’aretz, the Israeli government requested a ninth extension until 1 June from Israel’s Supreme Court regarding the petition to evacuate Khan Al-Ahmar (a Palestinian Bedouin village on the eastern gateway to Jerusalem that is at imminent risk of forcible transfer). The court partially accepted the government's request to delay the village evacuation and ordered it to respond by April 2.
[28] In reference to the Palestinian construction in the Oslo-defined Area C.
[29] On 3 May 2021, settlers established “Evyatar” colonial installation (outpost) on Jabal Sabih in Nablus governorate. A month later, the settlers reached an agreement with the Israeli government to leave but not demolish the structures. Ben Gvir visited the settlement recently after settlers terrorized Huwara town and its nearby villages, emphasizing his desire to legalize the settlement and allow the settlers to return.
[30] In reference to the Palestinian people.
[31] In reference to the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
[32] “Operation Defensive Shield” was an Israeli military operation conducted amidst the Second Intifada in 2002.
[33] In reference to the Palestinian people.
[34] Palestinian activist Issa Amro lives in Hebron, West Bank. He is the co-founder and former coordinator (2007-2018) of the grassroots group Youth Against Settlements.
[35] Referring to the attack on Issa Amro by an Israeli soldier in Hebron.
[36] Referring to Hadash (The Democratic Front for Peace and Equality) member Ofer Cassif, who regularly speaks out against the Israeli occupation. The post is in response to an altercation between both MKs which turned physical.
[37] Referring to H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine
[38] In July 2018, Israel enacted a law authorizing the Israeli government to deduct the allowances paid by the Palestinian National Authority to Palestinian prisoners and families of Palestinian martyrs from the tax revenues collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian National Authority.
[39] In reference to Palestinian National Authority.
[40] Amichai Chikli was an elected member of the 25th Knesset, appointed Minister for Social Equality and Pensioners as well as Minister of Diaspora Affairs for the Likud party.
[41] In reference to the Palestinian Liberation Organization.
[42] This post contains a video report on a recent police raid in the Al-Naqab, during which they arrested a Bedouin-Palestinian citizen of Israel allegedly possessing illegal arms.
[43] An Israeli right-wing settlers’ organization.
[44] Referring to the burning of cars and houses in Huwara town on 26 February by a mob of settlers.
[45] Minister of Defense, Yoav Galant, is a Knesset member of the Likud party.
[46] Minister Smotrich's powers include command of the "Blue Line" that determines which land "belongs" to Israel, and civil powers in the West Bank will be granted to a settler appointed by him.