Israeli Official Incitement: June 2021

Israeli Official Incitement: June 2021

With the swearing-in of the new Israeli government on 13 June 2021, senior Israeli officials, including members of the Knesset, right-wing Zionist parties, and settlers' organizations, have continued waging a ferocious wave of incitement against Palestinian citizens of Israel, mainly parliament members, as well as against the Palestinian people and their leadership. This report highlights examples of official Israeli racism and hate speech and statements endorsing colonization and annexation schemes against the land and people of Palestine.

I. Against the Palestinian People 

Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 19 June)

"Again riots in the neighborhood of "Shimon Hatzadik1. " During Shabbat, Arab vandals2 violently attacked the Jewish population3. I am worriedly watching the Arabs' attempts to take control, who are attacking Jews and attempting to kick them out of their homes (…)

Lach Jerusalem Settlers' Organization4  (Facebook,  06 June)

"The reality in which the children of Jerusalem are raised to hate and delegitimize the state of Israel is a reality, which needs to be pulled out from the roots. The incitement of the Schmidt’s school5, which belongs to the German ministry of education, is a red line in the education system in East Jerusalem. The German government and the European Union need to explain how in an official German school anti- Semitism raises its head and voices denying the existence of the state of Israel are heard!"

Maor Zemach – Chairman of Lach Jerusalem Settlers’ organization (Twitter, 21 June)

"Severe incitement during the graduation ceremony at the municipal school of science at Beit Safafa in Jerusalem. Parents and students calling incitement against the state of Israel. "In spirit and blood we will redeem Al-Aqsa”. A severe public incitement has no place in an official Israeli school. The minister of education must investigate thoroughly and summon the school management to a hearing!"

Im Tirtzu Movement6  (Twitter, 28 June)

"When the majority of the requests for family reunifications are approved by the state, and the second generation7 is three times more involved in terrorist acts against Israel, relative to their percentage of the population, it means a red line must be draw."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 29 June)

“There is a limit to hypocrisy. As long as Khan al-Ahmar8 and thousands of other illegal Arab buildings are standing, there is no reason in the world for Avitar9 to be evacuated.

The settlers have displayed a sense of responsibility and agreed to a compromise and is discriminating against them in order to prevent a confrontation.

The government must stand behind these agreements, and should it negate, it will be held fully responsible for the result".”

Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 27 June"

“I toured the Temple Mount10 today, accompanied by policemen, as a response to a video posted online by Arabs. We will never relinquish the Temple Mount11. We are talking about the most sacred place for the people of Israel.

The situation on the mountain is improving, but our demand is full sovereignty, raising the Israeli flag and expelling all Waqf elements seeking to harm us. The threats encourage me to continue to work for the Temple Mount, the people and the land."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 24 June)

"What is happening in the Avitar settlement and is expanding to other places in Judea and Samaria12 is suffocating terrorism13, no lesser than war crimes. The fact that the military allows this is unacceptable. I approached the Minister of Security in the morning to request that the army be ordered to eradicate terrorism immediately in every possible way."

 II. Against the Indigenous Palestinian Citizens of Israel

Nir Barkat – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (, 30 June)

The new government is unable to extend the law which prevents reunification of Palestinian families14. A law that was supported by all Zionist parties, and prevents tens of thousands of Palestinians from entering Israel. This is happening because in the government there are non-Zionist members in Knesset15 that are turning this government into danger to the state of Israel".

Shlomo Karhi – MK for the Likud party (Facebook, 27 June)
"The riots of the Arabs in Israel in the mixed cities16 have proven the significant importance of strengthening these cities with residents who are deeply affiliated with the State of Israel and its sovereignty (…)"

Regavim Organization17 (Twitter, 30 June)

"MK Michal Rozin18, are you coming on a tour with us? In the Negev, you will see thousands of illegal Bedouin outposts19, and the rewards given to the lawbreakers20. In Judea and Samaria, we will see the Palestinian Authority's seizure of Area C (…)"

Galit Distel Atbaryan – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party shared the post of the Israeli Te'm ‘Maccabi Tel Aviv Volleyb'll’ (Facebook, 25 June)

"Yes to mutual respect, No to the glory of the martyrs21 (…) Yesterday there was an event that could not be bypassed silently. Before and after the game, one of the game organizers thought it was right to give the head of the Joint List, Ayman Odeh, the platform and respect to shake the hands with the players and give the winning team the t­­­­rophy (…) we have no intention to whitewash and normalize a member of Knesset22 who glorifies the martyrs and the armed struggle23 against the state of Israel.

It is not acceptable for an official event of the state-backed Israeli sports coalition to bring someone as a guest of honor to speak about the Intifada and congratulate Nasrallah24 against the state of Israel."  

Amichai Chikli – Member of the Knesset for the Yamina party (Facebook, 26 June)

"This is how a restaurant on road 90 in Galilee looks after receiving at least 50 rounds of bullets, apparently from a "protection" gang operating in the area. Terrorism in the Arab community, in Israel, and abroad, we must fight it as terrorism; strike down, arrest, and suppress, with all branches of the security forces."

Amichai Chikli – Member of the Knesset for the Yamina party (Facebook, 22 June)

"I have recently spoken at the infamous apartheid conference25, which was initiated by members of Knesset from the Joint List and Meretz. It is inconceivable that in Israel's Knesset they are given a platform for lies and anti-Semitism.

During the debate, I revealed the sources of funding of all the boycott movements and organizations that work day and night to defame the name of the state."

Amichai Chikli – Member of the Knesset for the Yamina party (Facebook, 20 June)

"I just sent a letter to the government's judicial adviser, Avichai Mendelblit, requesting that a criminal investigation be opened against the head of the Joint List, Ayman Odeh, for a series of serious misdeeds that clearly constitute incitement to violence, sedition and action against the existence of the state of Israel.

When facing supporters of terrorism26 and those undermining Israel's right to exist as a Jewish and Democratic state, there is no room for smiles, activists in the studios and no place for shaking hands. "

We must seek to enforce a meaningful law of the Basic Laws27 of the Knesset and fight by all democratic means to get them out of the Knesset of the state of Israel.”

Itamar Ben Gvir - MK for Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 22 June)

"Today, I came to the supporters of terrorism from the Joint List's apartheid conference to prevent the anti-Semitic Omar Shaker28 from speaking in Israel's Knesset. By the way, contrary to what was published, although the Cassif29 is a saboteur, I did not scold him, I just told hi, "Go sympathize with our enemies30." One more thing: it is crystal clear why we should send this group31 to the Syrian Parliament."

Simcha Rothman - MK for Religious Zionism party (Twitter, June 26)

"The primary objective of the Citizenship Act, which is our duty, is to prevent a "silent return"32. The existing law does not prevent that. If the basic law is not passed: immigration, when Mansour Abbas33 and Ibtisam Mara'ana34 are part of the government, the number of Palestinian migrations to Israel will increase from 7% to 14%. This is how we will begin to lose the Jewish majority in the state of Israel."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, June 23)

"This terrorist35 should be sitting behind bars, not in Israel's Knesset. The Supreme Court judges, who force us to allow him and his comrades36 back time again into the Knesset, and give him with a platform and immunity to incite to terrorism and violence, bear responsibility for the consequences."

 

Yuli-Yoel Edelstein – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 17 June)

"When the government is based on terrorism supporters37 in government, it is no wonder that the Knesset is being used to host these displays of Israel hatred and spreading poison38. I am proud that during my time as Chairman of the Knesset, I was able to torpedo similar event. Democracy-yes. Support of terrorism – not in the Knesset!"

Amichai Chikli – Member of the Knesset for the Yemina party (Facebook, 15 June)"

"To set the record straight, Ayman Odeh and the members of the Joint List are enemies of the State of Israel, their place is in prison, not in the Knesset. No sane country would accept calls for a violent uprising and the raising of enemy flags39 without a stern reaction. Immunity annulment and criminal investigation on suspicion of uprising and incitement now!"

Ofir Sofer – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 01 June)

"Naftali, Ayelet, and Gideon40, meet your new friend in your “government of change”: MK Waleed Taha of the United Arab List party. Waleed Taha believes that "the Golan Heights are occupied Syrian territory", and ‘Zionism is the most racist and vicious project that includes murder, displacement, destruction and torture”. Waleed also made sure to visit a family of a terrorist41 in 2013 in Um al-Fahem42 (...)"

Ofir Sofer - MK for the Likud party (Facebook, 01 June"

" (…) The Farhud's43 actions took place at the height of Shavuot44 by bloodthirsty Arab masses who massacred Iraq's Jews, and carried out the most heinous events witnessed by the Jews of ancient Iraq. To describe the riots and the slaughter of Jews is very difficult, they included murder, rape, and extortion, all of which were encouraged by the "father of the Palestinian nation" and the General of the S.S45 Haj Amin al-Husseini46.

Unfortunately, in these days as well, there are those47 who are trying to recreate these events and other riots against Jews that had occurred throughout history. We cannot forget who the ferocious enemy that stands before us is48."

Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 01 June)

"There is no place for enemy terrorists in the Israeli league. Today I sent an urgent request to Oren Hassoun, the president of the Football Federation, to take steps against “Hapoel Um Al-Fahm”49 and against their fans.

A team playing in the Israeli league cannot accept chants of incitement to terrorism and violence50. The immediate ban on the entry of team fans into the stadiums and the suspension of team games. "  

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, June 03)

"Now it's no longer just the United Arab List. Now it is also the Joint List. They are all anti-Zionist (and) terrorist supporters who identify with our worst enemies51, and with them Bennett, Sa’ar, Elkin, Shaked and Sharren Haskel52 will sign agreements with Satan53 against the Jewish state."

III. Against President Abbas and the Palestinian Leadership

Eli Cohen – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, June 10) 

"The Palestinian Authority, with foreign funding, is illegally taking control over areas in Judea and Samaria. This is part of attempting to establish a Palestinian state in the heart of our land54 by imposing a reality, but we will not allow it! The uncontrollable Palestinian construction in Judea and Samaria will compromise Israel's security if we do not stop it immediately! (...)"

Regavim movement (Twitter, June 23)

"The moment the tractors entered the territory, we recognized the dangerous seizure patterns of the Palestinian Authority in the area55. Similar to its methods in Judea and Samaria, and the dangers it poses for the nearby town Rosh Tzurim56 (…)"

Maor Zemach - Chairman of Lach Jerusalem Settlers’ Organizations in an interview with Israel Hayom57 (Facebook, 07 June)

"The Palestinian Authority is an authority of terrorism and incitement. Today we received filmed evidence to the shameless support of the Palestinian Authority to murderous terrorists58. It is time to make them pay heavily for their support of terrorism, and to prosecute the families of terrorists immediately. "

IV. Additional Examples

Ofir Akunis – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 14 June)

"Don't say we didn't tell you, the land of Israel is in Danger!!!I started my first day as an MK from the opposition in Gush Etzion59. With the establishment of the new government, the settlement of Judea and Samaria is in real danger. I am committed to doing everything in my power to thwart the plan of a Palestinian state of terrorism, which will affect the settlement and security interests of the state of Israel."

Ofir Sofer – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 24 June)

"No to a Palestinian consulate in Jerusalem.

I urgently addressed the chairman of the security and Foreign Affairs Committee, MK Ram Ben Barak, to request an emergency session on the news of the reopening of the US consulate in Jerusalem, which will serve as a "Palestinian consulate".

In recent days, the government of Israel has been considering the US administration's demand positively, and in doing so dividing Jerusalem and recognizing it as the capital of the “Palestinian state”(…) "

Ofir Akunis- Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 07 June)

"I told you last week that in Bennett's left-wing government there is an overwhelming majority for the establishment of a Palestinian state of terrorism. Today we received news that the person who supposed to be the PM, Bennett, does not even know that the coalition parties plan to renew the political talks60 without his knowledge(…)"

Ofir Akunis – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 01 June)  

"In the future left-wing government there is an overwhelming majority supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state of terror in Judea and Samaria, according to the disastrous “two-state” solution.

I'm committed: In the coalition or in the opposition, in every public position I hold, I will fight with all my strength against the establishment of a Palestinian state!! Excited to participate in the launching of the new neighborhood in Beit El61, where about 350 housing units will be built, and the hand is still out. "

Yoav Gallant – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 01 June)

"Feast day for settlement in Judea and Samaria.

After years of construction freeze, in my position as Minister of Construction and Housing I worked with determination to increase and expand the settlement of Beit El. I committed and delivered. Two years ago we started building the 300 housing units we had planned for, and today we issued construction permits for an additional 350 housing units in Beit El. Two new lanes neighborhoods that will change the shape of the area.

We created a beautiful momentum of construction, and strengthened the Jewish settlement behind the mountain. The construction of Jewish neighborhoods62 along with the remains of Jewish settlements that have survived since the time of the Second Temple indicate the continuity and renaissance of the people of Israel on the land of Israel.

There are difficulties and obstacles, there are international and American pressures, but as David Ben-Gurion63 said, "it's not important what the good guys say, it's important what the Jews do."

Gila Gamliel – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 01 June)

"This morning we launched the new neighborhood in Beit El, which will have 350 residential units. An additional step in promoting the settlement on the land of Israel(...)."

Nir Barkat – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 15 June)

"The Flags March is a tradition that has existed for years, and it represents out sovereignty in Jerusalem. I supported this march as the mayor of Jerusalem, and I support it today - we will not submit to threats and we will continue the celebrations in Jerusalem, the eternal capital of the Jewish people. "

Avi Dichter – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 25 June"

"I will not allow Israel to be put at an existential risk due to a demand of Knesset members from Meretz and the Arabs64 to enact “The Right of Return” for the Arabs65 into Israel.

We will bring down this government without damaging the compass of our existence and the basic principle: “Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people”(..)"

Ofir Sofer – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 22 June)

"Today I came to support the Settlers of the settlement of Avitar. We cannot ignore the spirit of Zionism prevailing in the Avitar settlement(…)The settlement of Avitar is located along the road that connects Samaria and Jordan Valley, which is very important for maintaining the borders of the state of Israel. After the complicated last months in Galilee, the Negev and in Samaria, there is no need to explain how important this road and settlement are. This significance is evident in the violent actions that occur every evening by Arab rioters66 in front of the settlement (...)"

Amir Ohana – Member of Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 11 June)

"My deep love for the settlements, for construction and prosperity in Judea and Samaria, and the constant struggle to prevent the handover of the lands of our fathers to the hands of the enemy67, God forbid, is not related to anything. This is not a "political alliance" with a price or compensation, and not give and take relationships. This is love of the land and the understanding that without roots and the name of roots is a historical matter, not just religious - nothing will sprout here. "

• 1. In reference to Karm Al-Ja’ouni part of Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood
• 2. In reference to Palestinians
• 3. In reference to illegal Israeli settlers
• 4. An Israeli settlers’ organization promoting the Judaization of occupied Jerusalem
• 5. Schmidt’s Girls College is an international German school for Palestinian girls, located in occupied East Jerusalem. According to news reports, the school’s students demonstrated at the school yard after a German history teacher criticized the students for drawing a map of historic Palestine
• 6. An Israeli right-wing (non-profit) Zionist organization
• 7. The children of families where one of the parents is from the occupied West Bank or the Gaza Strip
• 8. A Palestinian Bedouin village in Jerusalem government that is facing the imminent threat of forcible transfer by the occupying Power, Israel
• 9. An illegal Israeli colonial settlement installation (outpost) established atop Sbeih Mountain, on lands belonging to Palestinians, in Nablus governorate . It was temporarily evacuated on 2 July upon a deal brokered between the illegal settlers and the Israeli government which promised them to legalize it at a later date
• 10. In reference to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
• 11. Ibid
• 12. In reference to the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
• 13. In reference to Palestinian resistance to the establishment of the illegal colonial installation (outpost) Avitar. Smotrich claims that smoke of burning tires has suffocated the illegal settlers.
• 14. The Citizenship and Entry to Israel Law was passed in 2003 and has been extended on an annual bases. Based on this law, Palestinians from the occupied West Bank or Gaza Strip that are married to Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian residents of occupied Jerusalem are not allowed to have citizenship or residency rights in Israel. The Knesset voted against the renewal of the law on July 5
• 15. In reference to MKS of the United Arab List party
• 16. In reference to the demonstrations of the Palestinian citizens of Israel during May
• 17. A right-wing settler organization operating in the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
• 18. MK of Meretz party
• 19. In reference to the unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Negev
• 20. In reference to the Bedouins residents of the unrecognized villages in the Negev
• 21. In reference to Palestinian martyrs
• 22. In reference to the Head of the Joint List party MK Ayman Odeh
• 23. Likud MK Atbaryan criticizes MK Ayman Odeh for supporting Palestinian martyrs and prisoners by showing a picture of him holding the hand of the imprisoned PFLP leader Khalida Jarrar who should be released in September 2021
• 24. In reference to Lebanon’s Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah.
• 25. Knesset members of Meretz and Joint List initiated a conference in the Knesset that emphasized that Israel’s occupation of Palestine is switching to an apartheid regime
• 26. In reference to the MKs of the Joint List party
• 27. In reference to the Knesset Basic law 7A that prevents nominees from running in the Knesset election ‘if they don’t recognize the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state; supporting incitement for racism; or supporting a violent resistance of an enemy country or a terrorist organization against the State of Israel.’
• 28. Omar Shaker, Director at Human Rights Watch. His residency permit in Israel was annulled by Israel’s Supreme Court for his alleged support to the BDS movement
• 29. In reference to Ofer Cassif MK of the Joint List party
• 30. In reference to Ofer Cassif’s support to the just cause of the Palestinian people.
• 31. In reference to MKs of the Joint List party
• 32. In reference to the Palestinian Right of Return. MK Rothman is urging the government to extend the Citizenship and Entry to Israel Law which was passed in 2002 and renewed since 2003 on annual bases
• 33. MK of the United Arab List party
• 34. MK of the Israeli Labor party
• 35. In reference to Sami Abu Shahadeh MK of the Joint List party
• 36. In reference to the rest of the Joint List party members
• 37. In reference to MKs of the United Arab List party
• 38. In reference to the conference: "After 54 years: Between Occupation to Apartheid" that was hosted by the Joint List and Meretz MK
• 39. In reference to the flag of the State of Palestine
• 40. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, Minister of Interior Ayelet Shaked, Minister of Justice Gideon Sa’ar
• 41. In reference to family of a Palestinian prisoner citizen of Israel (the post is unclear about his name/identity)
• 42. Palestinian town in the central district of Israel
• 43. Farhud was the dispossession carried out against the Jewish population of Baghdad, Iraq, in June 1941
• 44. Jewish holiday
• 45. In reference to a military branch of the Nazi Party
• 46. A prominent Palestinian Arab nationalist and the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem between 1921-1948.
• 47. In reference to the political and religious leadership of the Palestinian citizens in Israel
• 48. In reference to the Palestinian people in general; inside Israel and in occupied Palestine
• 49. Hapoel Um Al-Fahem is a Palestinian soccer team in Israel
• 50. The fans of the team were calling “in soul and in blood we will redeem Al-Aqsa Mosque”
• 51. In reference to Palestinians
• 52. In reference to Naftali Bennett PM and MK Yemina, Gideon Sa’ar Minister of Justice and Sharren Haskel MKs of the New Hope party, Zeeve Elkin Minister of Construction and Housing and Minister of Jerusalem Affairs and heritage , Ayalet Shaked Minister of Interior
• 53. In reference to MKs of United Arab List and the Joint List parties
• 54. In reference to the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
• 55. In reference to Palestinian village of Nahhalin located in the Oslo defined “Area C” in the occupied West Bank (Bethlehem Governorate). Israel claims it’s illegal to build in this area which constitute 60% of the occupied West Bank.
• 56. Rosh Tzurim is an illegal Israeli settlement in the south of occupied Jerusalem
• 57. An Israeli right wing newspaper
• 58. Referring to a visit by Laila Ghannam, the Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, to the family of Palestinian prisoner Mohannad Al-Halabi
• 59. Gush Etzion is a cluster of illegal Israeli settlements located south of occupied Jerusalem
• 60. In reference to the news of renewing the peace talks between the new Israeli government and the Palestinian National Authority
• 61. Beit El is an illegal settlement established on confiscated Palestinian lands in Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorate
• 62. In reference to illegal settlements
• 63. Israel’s first PM and Israel’s so called minister of defense
• 64. In reference to MKs of United Arab List party
• 65. In reference to the reunification of Palestinian families, known as the law of “Israeli citizenship and entering Israel”
• 66. In reference to the Palestinian residents of the village Beta in Nablus Governorate protesting the illegal settlement installation (outpost) of Avitar established on Jabal Sbeih Mountain
• 67. In reference to Palestinians