Israeli Official Incitement: August 2023
Israeli Official Incitement: August 2023
I. Against the Palestinian People
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party in an interview with Channel 12 News (Haa’retz, 23 August 2023)
“My right, the right of my wife and my children to move around Judea and Samaria[1] is more important than freedom of movement for the Arabs. The right to life comes before freedom of movement.”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party in a statement (Times of Israel, 6 August 2023)[2]
“My policy is clear. Anyone who defends himself against rock-throwing should get a medal of honor.”
Amichay Eliyahu, Minister of Heritage, Member of Otzma Yehudit party (Jewish Power) (Twitter, 28 August 2023)[3]
“When a person threatens my right to life, I limit his civil rights just a little bit, and allow the normative person to live on. Why apartheid? Does a prison constitute apartheid? When you take a prison and put a prisoner in it you limit his rights, is that apartheid?”
Limor Sonn Har Melech, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 29 August 2023)
“If there is no room in prison for Arab terrorism activists[4], I suggest they release all the administrative detainees from the settlements’ youth[5], who are held without trial, probably not even for property violations.”
Orit Malka Strock, Minister of National Missions, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 14 August 2023)
“Yehiel Indore[6] has gone through an emotional and physical trauma, he is in pain, and requires rest and rehabilitation. Of course, he did not initiate the lynch event[7] in which he was injured, at the most, he reacted to a threat to his life. He should not be under arrest, but at home resting, and at the most, to be interrogated. Despite this injustice, I was impressed that he was receiving medical and humane treatment from the Prison Service. I will keep monitoring.”
May Golan, Minister for the Advancement of the Status of Women, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 14 August 2023)
“Yehiel Indore was injured in the lynching event and defended himself (in contrary to thousands of cases[8]). Gideon Levi[9] and other “human rights” organizations should not petition the High Court of Justice against transferring a severely injured man from the hospital for interrogation purposes.
Yehiel Indore has gone through severe physical and emotional trauma, and required continued rehabilitation. He is first and foremost, a citizen of Israel, and he should receive the best care, especially in his condition. I intent to follow closely to make sure his rights are being protected according to the law.”
Amichay Eliyahu, Minister of Heritage, Member of Otzma Yehudit party (Jewish Power) (Twitter, 19 August 2023)
“(…) a village[10] that serves as a warm home to terrorists’ cells must be dealt with accordingly. A complete clean out. The judgment of Huwara is the same as the Judgment of Jenin[11].”
Hanoch Dov Milwidsky, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 2 August 2023) [12]
“Congratulations to the Minister of Education, Yoav Kisch, on the right and brave decision. The post-Zionism madness of “shared loss” and comparing terrorists[13] to IDF fallen soldiers cannot be a part of the Israeli state formalities.”
Tally Gotliv, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 9 August 2023)
“Murder suspects”[14] shame on anyone who defamed the Jewish settlers in Samaria, who fell victim of a terrorist attack by dozens of terrorists[15] who threw rocks and bricks at them. A Jew is allowed to defend himself! Let all terrorists[16] know that a Jew has the right to defend himself from them. As I said, the two settlers were released from custody (…)”
Boaz Bismuth, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 23 August 2023)
“(…) They[17] will uproot and we will grow. They will sanctify death, and we will sanctify life. This is the Zionist response appropriate to terrorism – A people building in their land.”
Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism Party (Twitter, 8 August 2023)[18]
“(…) however, the previous plan for East Jerusalem included a clause aimed at encouraging the integration of East Jerusalem Arabs[19] into Jerusalem universities and colleges, granting them benefits and preferences over other students. The rationale for this clause (which amounts to hundreds of millions) is to promote higher education and advanced employment prospects for East Jerusalem Arabs, encouraging them to study in Israeli academia instead of Arab universities like Birzeit or Al-Najah, important goals that should be pursued independently. However, the current situation has turned this clause into a problem. In recent years, extremist Islamic cells have developed within Israeli universities and colleges, expressing solidarity with Israel's enemies and often intimidating other students[20]. In times of security tension, they make the lives of Jewish students unbearable. Moreover, these Arab students receive preferential treatment over Jewish students who have served in the military and reserve duty. We do not want Arab students to study at Birzeit and then we get Birzeit in our universities (…)”
Yoav Ben Tzur, Minister of Labor, Member of Shas party (Twitter, 21 August 2023)
“Our enemies sanctify death and we sanctify life. With joy mixed with sadness, today, I initiated the Social Security branch in Shaa’r Binyamin[21]. This is a clear statement. Terrorist organizations[22] do not weaken us, on the contrary, they strengthen us. The Jewish people is unified. Strong and mighty. We will continue to build and root our grip on Judea and Samaria, our birthright”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Facebook, 29 August 2023)[23]
“(…) I informed the Shabak and Shabas that I will not be changing my position for even a moment – even a terrorist who threw a rock and missed, is a terrorist. And he does not deserve an early release from prison in any way.”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 16 August 2023)
“Today I toured the Ofer Prison, where prisoners from Hamas, Fatah, the Popular Front and Islamic Jihad are held – to hear up close from the commanding staff and prison guards. To see the policy that I am promoting in the National Security Ministry is actually being implemented in the field, and the summer camp conditions[24] have stopped for terrorists[25] with bloody hands.”
Regavim Movement[26] (Twitter, 22 August 2023)
“What is reasonable to the High Court of Justice? Giving an award to Palestinian construction criminals! The policy of “freezing procedures”[27] of the Civil Administration[28] and the Ministry of Defense has led us to the absurd situation we are in today: Thousands of illegal buildings built by Palestinians in Area C enjoy immunity against demolition due to a permit they requested or an appeal they submitted. In most cases the request is utterly exaggerated and lacks any practical chance (…)”
II. Against the Indigenous Palestinian Citizens in Israel
Tzvi Yedidia Sukkot, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 9 August 2023)[29]
“I see that there are more than a few who are in love with Tibi[30], who will not condemn terrorism in anyway (…) there is a huge difference between a humanitarian visit to a detainee who is alone in a severe condition in the hospital following an operation[31], and simply supporting detainees[32].”
Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 9 August 2023)
“I will not let funds be transferred to crime and protection organizations[33]. Not on my watch.[34]”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit party (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 9 August 2023)
“I have no intention of apologizing. MK Tibi cannot visit outlaws in the middle of an investigation. This is the decision of the head of the investigation, and I fully support it.”[35]
Bezalel Smotrich, Minister of Finance, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 8 August 2023) [36]
“This is not a warning; this is a threat. And by the way, this is how protection works. They don’t explicitly threaten, they warn in code, I will not surrender to threats!”
Tzvi Yedidia Sukkot, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 27 August 2023)[37]
“The High Follow-up Committee for Arabs in Israel is a body that unifies the MKs and Heads of Arab LA[38]. The chairman of the committee is former MK Mohammad Barakeh, in a formal ceremony with vile murderers[39] who killed IDF soldiers. The enemy from within.”
Itamar Ben Gvir, Minister of National Security, Member of Knesset for the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party (Twitter, 29 August 2023)
“This morning during the demolition of illegal building in the Negev[40]. “Sorry” Mohammad Majadleh[41], this is a right-wing government.”
III. Against President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Leadership
Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations (Twitter, 1 August 2023)
“(…) when a generation of Palestinians are incited by the Palestinian Authority to hate and murder innocents, this is the result. Murderous words result in murderous actions, and Israeli blood is on President Abbas’ hands.[42] As usual, this attack will not be condemned by the terror-funding PA, and I highly doubt that we will hear one word of condemnation from the @UN.”
Orit Malka Strock, Minister of National Missions, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 12 August 2023)
“(…)Yesterday I went to the expanses of Samaria to see with my own eyes the "Collapsing” Palestinian Authority, the one that all the headlines in every news edition scream that if we don't support it economically, it might – God forbid – collapse (…) It's not just trucks and agricultural workers: the "Collapsing Authority" operates massive economic engines and employs heavy machinery for road construction and land development, surveyors, planners, lawyers, and thousands of officials in the project called "The Fight for Area C.[43] (…) Can someone explain to me how the "Collapsing Authority" continues to carry out all this immense and dangerous operation, and why do we need to continue filling its pockets?[44]”
Orit Malka Strock, Minister of National Missions, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism Party (Twitter, 29 August 2023)
“The protocols of the Oslo government[45] confirm what we’ve known for years: that horrible decision was more hell than heaven. The Ministers who raised their hands in support of it did not search for the Authority[46] to clean the streets of Nablus, which deliberately revived a powerless terrorists’ organization, gave it weapons, territory, money, international status. All this while they have been warned about the horrific blood price.
This horror of a murderous authority that engraved the murder of Jews in its book of laws, that pampers and praises our killers, that chases our soldiers, and spits daily in our faces and hands from which it eats, that educates an entire generation to hate and kill us – we must correct. And we will correct, God willing.”
Tzvi Yedidia Sukkot, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 19 August 2023)
“(…) The murderous incitement of the Palestinian Authority[47] and the leaders of the terrorism supporting village, Huwara, is showing its signs again and again, and a heavy price must be collected from the instigators (…)”
IV. Additional Examples
Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations (Twitter, 16 August 2023)
“In a month, the UN General Assembly will commence, in which world leaders participate, and it is important to me to show you what I am fighting here: today I am exposing the first example – the exhibit of lies[48], which basically demonstrates the hate and bias against Israel, and exists even on the walls of the UN (…).”
Orit Malka Strock, Minister of National Missions, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism Party (Twitter, 2 August 2023)
“Givat Harel[49] – The pioneers of our generation. It is a privilege to be with you, residents of Givat Harel, during your new neighborhood initiation ceremony (…)”
Tzvi Yedidia Sukkot, Member of Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 2 August 2023)
“(…) the pioneers of the Homesh[50] Yeshiva[51], who have been holding strong under complex circumstances for years, teach us an important lesson on Zionism 2023. We cancelled the Disengagement law[52] and now, the important Jewish grasp[53] continues. Changing directions – settlement, growth, and construction!”
Eli Dallal, Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Instagram, 4 August 2023)
“Tonight, we initiated the new settlement Ramat Arbel[54] in the Galilee. This is very important news to the strengthening of the Jewish settlement in the Galilee, something that is important to us all. Ramat Arbel is another important milestone in promoting the settlement in the Galilee and the Negev, and we will continue our work to promote the establishment of as many settlements as possible. I would like to thank the families, activists, and anyone who came to support the Jewish settlement in the Galilee (…)”
Eli Cohen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Member of Likud party (Facebook, 25 August 2023)
“Another embassy is coming to Jerusalem the capital! Yesterday, I spoke with the president of Sierra Leone, Julius Bio, in which he announced his intentions to open an embassy in Jerusalem to strengthen the relationship between the countries (…) Since I began my role as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, I have set a goal of doubling the number of embassies in Jerusalem, and we are on our way to that goal this year already. This is another step in strengthening its international status as our eternal capital.”
[1] Referring to the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
[2] In the post, Ben Gvir defends the two illegal settlers who executed 19-year-old Palestinian Qusay Maatan with cold blood during the settlers' attack against the village of Burqa east of Ramallah on 4 August. After being arrested for questioning, the setters were later released.
[3] In an interview with Israeli Journalist Attila Somfavli
[4] The post is in response to an article published in Israel Hayom, which stated that due to crowded prisons, the capacity to arrest additional Palestinian prisoners is diminished.
[5] In June 2023, in a rare move Israeli Defense Yoav Gallant issued administrative arrest warrants four settlers who committed an attack against Palestinians. See: https://www.timesofisrael.com/gallant-orders-detention-without-charges-for-4-israelis-over-west-bank-riots/
[6] Yehiel Indore is the settler arrested for the murder of the 19-year-old Palestinian Qusay Maatan in the town of Burqa on 4 August. After being injured, he was transferred to the hospital, put under arrest, and then released after being treated.
[7] Alleging that Palestinians initiated the attack against the settlers in Burqa village.
[8] Alleging that some settlers were attacked and did not defend themselves
[9] Prominent Israeli journalist who opposes Israel’s occupation and illegal policies against the Palestinian people.
[10] Referring to Huwara town, in the Nablus governorate, which is systematically facing settlers attacks, the most ferocious one took place in February 2023.
[11] Eliyahu suggests a military operation against Huwara as the IOF carried out in Jenin.
[12] It was reported in Israel's Hayom that the Israeli Ministry of Education banned the "Parents Circle-Families Forum (PCFF)" from running programs at schools and receiving funds. The forum is a network of Palestinian and Israeli Jewish families who have lost an immediate family member during Israel's occupation of Palestine.
[13] Referring to Palestinian martyrs
[14] Referring to the two settlers who were arrested and released for murdering 19-year-old Palestinian man Qusay Maatan. See footnote 2.
[15] Claiming that Palestinians of Burqa initiated the attack against settlers by throwing rocks at them.
[16] Referring to the Palestinian people
[17] Ibid
[18] Smotrich is justifying his decision to freeze funds for local councils run by Palestinian citizens in Israel and for development projects in occupied Jerusalem. He later retracted his decision.
[19] Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem
[20] Referring to Palestinian students who protest against the occupation and its crimes against Palestinians on campus.
[21] Shaa’r Binyamin is an Israeli industrial settlement in the occupied West Bank.
[22] Referring to Palestinian resistance groups.
[23] In response to an article on Channel 7’s website that reported on the policy of releasing Palestinian prisoners who only committed what Israeli occupation forces consider “minor terrorism,” such as rock throwing. In the post, Ben Gvir explains that this policy has been canceled.
[24] Referring to a number of new illegal policies initiated by the current Israeli government and are meant to worsen the conditions of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
[25] Referring to Palestinian prisoners
[26] An extremist right wing organization promoting illegal Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank.
[27] Referring to freezing construction in illegal Israeli settlements
[28] Referring to the governing Israeli body in the occupied West Bank.
[29] In response to criticism from the Israeli public regarding the visit of right-wing Knesset members to the settler arrested following the attack on Burqa village. The visit took place following his arrest and before the settler was questioned. The visit took place in the hospital where the settler was receiving medical care. (see article)
[30] Ahmad Tibi is a Knesset member, chair of the Ta’al party, representing Palestinian citizens in Israel in the Israeli Knesset.
[31] See footnote 9
[32] Referring to Arab Palestinian MKs visiting Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons to show support.
[33] Referring to the increased organized crime threatening Palestinian citizens in Israel. Organized crime is taking control of municipal contracts, many of the mayors and chairmen of local authorities for Palestinian citizens in Israel are threatened by these criminals to gain control over resources and power. Israeli policies that intentionally and systemically discriminate against Palestinians in Israel are directly responsible for this increase in violence and crime.
[34] See footnote 22
[35] Referring to MK Tibi’s request to visit the Palestinian detainees arrested following settlers' attacks against Burqa village on 4 August. Tibi’s request was denied. However, two right-wing MKs were allowed to visit the settler, Yehiel Indore, in the hospital, who fired the fatal shots killing 19-year-old Palestinian Qusay Maatan.
[36] The post is in response to an interview with the mayor of Qalansawa. In the interview, he warns that Smotrich's decision to cut funds for local authorities for Palestinian citizens in Israel will lead to nationwide anger protests. Smotrich accuses the Qalansawa mayor of using threatening tactics used by organized crime organizations, what he calls "protection organizations."
[37] In response to a post by journalist Ishay Friedman regarding an event at which Karim and Maher Younis, Palestinian citizens in Israel, who were incarcerated in Israeli prisons for decades, received an award from the Palestinian National Authority. The event was attended by Mohammad Barakeh, head of the High Follow-Up Committee for the Palestinian citizens in Israel and former member of the Knesset for the Hadash party.
[38] Referring to the leadership of Palestinian citizens in Israel, including MKs, mayors, and local authority chairs.
[39] See footnote 47
[40] Home demolition is an oppressive Israeli policy against indigenous Palestinians, including Bedouin Palestinians in al-Naqab, whom Israel aims to uproot and gather in a limited control area, forcing them to forfeit their ancestral lands.
[41] In the same interview with journalist Mohammad Majadleh when Ben Gvir stated that the right of his family to move is more important than that of Palestinians.
[42] Israel considers any criticism of its occupation of Palestine’s land and people as incitement. Israel attacks every aspect of the Palestinian narrative, whether historical, political, cultural, or otherwise.
[43] Israel prohibits Palestinian construction (and any other activity) in the Oslo-defined Area C of the occupied West Bank, where all illegal Israeli settlements are built.
[44] Strock claims that the tax revenues collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) are actually a favor extended by Israel to the PNA.
[45] Referring to the Israeli government that signed the Oslo Interim Agreement with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
[46] Referring to the PNA.
[47] Ibid
[48] In reference to an exhibit presented on the walls of the UN’s General Assembly. The exhibit is meant to describe Israel’s occupation of Palestine. In the video included with the post, Erdan claims that the presentation is bias and defames occupation soldiers, and generally makes Israelis look guilty.
[49] In February 2023, Israel’s so called security cabinet authorized 10 colonial installations (outposts) as new settlements. Among them is Givat Harel established in 1998 on lands belonging to the villages of Qaryut and al-Lubban ash-Sharqiyah (Nablus governorate) and the towns of Sinjil and Turmusayya (Ramallah governorate ). See: https://peacenow.org.il/en/the-security-and-political-cabinet-approved-the-establishment-of-9-new-settlements-by-authorizing-10-illegal-outposts-in-the-occupied-territories
[50] Homesh is an illegal Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank, which was evacuated during Israel’s unilateral disengagement plan in 2005
[51] A Jewish religious school for boys.
[52] The bill was cancelled on 22 March 2023, in which the Israeli government lifted the ban on settlers entering the evacuated settlements in 2005.
[53] Referring to Israel’s illegal grip on Palestinian land.
[54] An area in the lower Galilee, located on lands belonging to Palestinian refugees,that Israel based on the "Absentee Property Law," seized to resettle extremist Jewish settlers they will transfer from the occupied West Bank near Mount Arbel. Israeli Jews have attempted to illegally take over the area in the past. The government approved the recognition of “Ramat Arbel” as a legal town.