Israeli Official Incitement: May 2021

 

Israeli Official Incitement: May 2021

The month of May witnessed a sharp increase in Israel's official incitement amidst its aggression against the people of Palestine. For eleven consecutive days, Israel bombarded the Gaza strip leaving hundreds of Palestinian martyrs and thousands wounded. Moreover, the Israeli occupying forces and settlers attacked and assaulted hundreds of Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, Jerusalem's Old City, and in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, where 28 families face the threat of forced eviction/ transfer to pave the way for Israeli settlers to take over their homes. During various incidents, Israeli extremists and right-wing politicians raided the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood to join Israeli settlers in their attacks against Palestinians. The Israeli aggression was also geared towards the Palestinian citizens of Israel, including in Acre, Al-Lydd, and Haifa.

During this wave of ferocious Israeli aggression, Israeli officials, including members of the Knesset, right-wing Zionist parties, and settlers' organizations, have exploited this situation to increase their incitement and hate speech on social media platforms against the people of Palestine and the Palestinian citizens of Israel.

 

I. Against the Palestinian People 

 

Ofir Akunis – Minister of Regional Cooperation, Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 12 May)

"(…) The Palestinian enemy is raising its head, as it did for the past 100 years, animals (…) now, we must support our excellent troops, and allow them to strike anyone who raises his hand against the citizens of Israel." 

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 10 May)

"Those terrorism-supporting enemies1 must be put on trucks and exiled immediately. Israel cannot afford an enemy from the inside such as this."

Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 11 May)

"Unfortunately, the number of enemy deaths2 is not increasing, which means that the army is only doing specific targeted missions (…)."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 10 May)

"It turns out once again that those who choose shame will receive war. It's time to fight the Arab enemy3 and struck them, in Gaza, Judea and Samaria4, in Jerusalem, and anywhere they raise their heads. "I will pursue my enemies, I will catch them, and I will not stop until they are finished (...)."

Ofir Akunis - Minister of Regional Cooperation, member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 10 May)

"(...)Today we celebrate the day of remembrance of the reunification of Jerusalem5, in the light of barbaric attacks by Palestinian enemies, and as you know, this is nothing new.

Lies and incitement have been going on for 100 years as if the purpose of the Jews returning to their homeland was to harm the Temple Mount6. This has nothing to do with the existence of the State of Israel or the unification of Jerusalem. This lie has always been an "excuse" for terrorism, bloodshed, and violence against people just for being Jewish (...)"

Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 08 May)

"The police forces who are facing the terrorists7 in the Temple Mount8 and throughout the country, including in Shimon Hatzadik neighborhood9, have our complete support. However, I demand the high political ranks to allow the policemen to defend themselves when Arab rioters10 throw stones and bottles at them. A policeman who puts his life at risk must use firepower instead of demonstrations' scattering tools."

Matan Kahana – Member of the Knesset for the Yemina party (Facebook, 18 May)

"I came to Shimon Hatzadik neighborhood11 to show support to the residents, police officers, and guards who have been under constant violence for a few weeks.12

It was determined by all judicial systems that the Shimon Hatzadik neighborhood is Jewish property. We must not submit to Arab violence. Enforcing our sovereignty in Jerusalem indicates our sovereignty throughout the state.

Lach Yerushalayem13 (Facebook, May 06)

"The Arab incitement surrounding a legal judiciary process14 and the basic right for Jews to live anywhere in the state of Israel may end in bloodshed. Statements heard on the Arab street: "We will not be surprised if someone sacrificed their life for their homes."

Ofir Akunis - Minister of Regional Cooperation, Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 06 May)

"(...) No bloodthirsty terrorist15will move us from our land (…) terrorism and years of long violence will not deter us; it will do the opposite: we will strengthen our existence and settlements throughout the land of Israel (...)."

Avi Dichter – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 02 May)

"(...)The escalation in Judea and Samaria16 with the attempt to kill Jews is a direct result of the incitement that accuses Israel of canceling the Palestinian parliament elections.

There will be no elections in Jerusalem, and those who think it will translate into attacks17 might as well dig their own graves."

Gadi Yevarkan – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party(Facebook, 12 May)

"(…) It is important to clarify: there is no symmetry between the barbaric violence of law-breaking Arab terrorists, which has been going on for three days, and the specific violence from the Jewish side. We will hold these vicious animals who attacked Jews accountable. I will not put my people in the same equation as Arab terrorism."

Yoav Ben Tzur – Member of the Knesset for the Shas party (Twitter, 02 May)

"The deterrence power is eroding. Vile terrorists18 raise their heads and enact terror attacks against Israeli citizens. Security forces must restore deterrence and give civilians a sense of security. Terrorism is not cut down with weakness and forgiveness. It is cut down only by force and with an iron fist."

And against the Indigenous Palestinian Citizens of Israel

 

Eli Cohen - Minister of Intelligence, Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 27 May)

"We will fight unlicensed weapon!

Unlicensed possession of arms is a calamity on a state level, especially in the Arab sector, and it affects the sense of security for all citizens of Israel. We have seen even in recent weeks how dangerous it is and how easy it is to use it and target it to hate crimes and terrorism against Jews (…)."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism Party (Twitter, 25 May)

Abu Shehadeh19 is a terrorist supporting terrorists. The incitement and support that he and his friends20 give to rioters21 encourages them and increases the bloodshed(…)."

 

Matan Kahana- Member of the Knesset for the Yemina party (Facebook, 24 May)

"The national majority in the Knesset can and should push two important laws today:

1. Citizenship annulment from Israeli terrorist.

2. Transferring the settlement outposts for further budgeting in the Budget Committee.

Israelis who chose to join the Islam-Arab war against the people of Israel will not remain Israelis.

Salt-of-the-Earth Israelis  who settle Judea and Samaria22 should not live in sub-conditions.

Justice!"

Amichai Chikli – Member of the Knesset for the Yemina party (Facebook, 18 May) 

"We have the duty to pursue Israel's enemies23 – in Gaza, in the streets of Lod (Al-Lydd), everywhere – even here in Israel's Knesset.24 "

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 19 May)

"(…) there is no symmetry between Jews and Arabs in recent events not only at the quantitative level but particularly at the qualitative level. There is no symmetry between the attacking enemy25, whose core belief is the unrecognition of the state's sovereignty and its right to exist, sympathize with the enemy26, and seeks to undermine the state - and the side that is defending itself27."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 19 May)

"Revoke the citizenship from those who hate the State of Israel so much28, and give them IDS of the Palestinian Authority that they love so much. This is what any normal state that values life would have done when faced with an enemy from within."

Lach Yerushalayim29  Settlers Organization (Facebook, 25 May)

"Tonight, we will expose the center for Arab gang protection!
The Islamic party, headed by Mansour Abbas30, opened a help and information center for "Protest participants31.” The offered aid includes legal aid, financial, and "any support needed" with this, The Islamic party is taking an active part in the riots via the Islamic movement organization as well as the southern branch32."

Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 20 May)

"Her license must be revoked33. Those who prefer to declare a political strike and sympathize with terrorists34 rather than save one or two lives in the hospital they are not only working against the oath of doctors, they pose a danger to patients."

Avi Dichter – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 16 May)

"(...) No one will move us from here, from Israel, the nation- state of the Jewish people. We are not here by force but by right. But when we have to use force to enforce this right, we will do it vigorously and rigorously، to defend Israel and the Israelis.

Yes, we will defend and respect all Israelis who respect the state of Israel and its symbols. Those who cherish other symbols and other neighbors will do us a favor if they pack their things and move to another country35 (…)."

Shlomo Karhi- Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 12 May)

"I offer my support to the defenders of Israel at the Lod (Al-Lydd) court. Judge's decision: extension of detention36. Shame. We will correct the law: an Arab enemy who raises his hand on a Jew will regret it. Those who volunteered37 and went out to defend their lives and the lives of their families deserve blessings and applause."

Matan Kahana- Member of the Knesset for the Yemina party (Facebook, 11 May)

"It is not possible that a Jew who defended his life and that of his family from pogrom is under arrest on suspicion of murder38. I just left the police station where a son of Lod (Al-Lydd), who was defending his life, was arrested. We must stop this confusion between the attackers39 and those attacked40! The Jew who defended his life must be released immediately!"

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 11 May)

"We just contacted the Minister of Public Security to demand the immediate release of the shooter41, who was forced to defend his life and the lives of his family and the rest of the Jewish residents of Lod (Al-Lydd) from the Arab enemy riots42 this evening. He should be given a medal and not interrogated for attempted murder. This endangers lives as it deters citizens from defending themselves against terrorists."

Matan Kahana- Member of the Knesset for the Yemina party (Facebook, 13 May)

"(…) The army must enter the city43, clean it from the Arab hooligans and bring life back to the place before it is too late."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 10 May)

"We have now visited the heroic families who inhabit the neighborhood of "Shimon Hatzadik"44 and offered our support. They have lived there for years in an emulated calm until last month, when incitement and rioting by members of the Arab parliament45 supporting terrorism began, which turned into daily terrorism and violence. The Israeli police should give these families protection and prevent them from being harmed."

Shlomo Karhi – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 11 May)

"During the independence war46, young Israel fought with all its might against the surrounding Arab enemy and to the Arab enemy from within47. This happened in the Six-Day War. Tens of thousands fled and never returned. Isn't it time to react as we did during that war? How is the situation of the Arabs inside Israel any different than it was back then? We must pull the trigger. In the picture: the enemy from within demonstrating in Tel Aviv University."

Ayelet Shaked- Member of the Knesset for the Yemina party (Twitter, 12 May)

"The Arab national terrorism is raising its head in the mixed cities, a matter that is intolerable which the government should deal with using iron fists. Zero tolerance, and 100% deterrence and arrests."

Shlomo Karhi- Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 11 May)

"Now everyone understands. This terrorism, here in Jerusalem and the south of the country, does not come from a vacuum. Like predators smelling the weakness of their prey, Arab enemies feel our fear, notice complacency, and understand that the soon-to-be left-wing government will need to be endorsed by their representatives48 in Parliament in every step(…)It is outrageous that among us, in the Israeli Knesset, are supporters of this terrorism. Their place is in prison!"

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 14 May)

"For years, the Arabs of Israel claimed that they were suffering from neglect and oppression and were demanding infrastructure, and in a single moment, they sabotaged hundreds of millions of shekels that the state had invested in their regions, in the north, the south, Wadi Ara49 and others. Some fools50 are still convinced that the source of everything is oppression and refuse to acknowledge the fact that we are talking about a nationalist battle."

Shlomo Karhi- Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 13 May)

"Avitar"51– a new settlement on the land of Israel. A triumphant Zionist Jewish response to the wave of hatred and terror of Arabs inside and outside(...)"

Nir Barkat – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 12 May)

"(…(We must end the terrorism52 inside the state of Israel, and act with an iron fist without hesitation against anyone who dares to act like this against Jews for being Jews."

II. Against the Human Rights Council53

 

Benjamin Netanyahu - Prime Minister, Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 27 May)

"The shameful resolution54 that passed today is another example of the blatant anti-Israel obsession of the UN Human Rights Council. Once again, an immediate immoral majority in a council that exempts a terrorist organization55 working to exterminate a people, an organization that deliberately fires at Israeli citizens, while using Gaza citizens as a human shield.  At the same time, the council considers the "guilty party" to be a democracy that legitimately works to defend its citizens from thousands of missiles fired without distinction. This disgrace turns international law into a joke that encourages terrorists worldwide."

Danny Dannon- Israel's former Ambassador to the UN, Chairman of World Likud (Twitter, 28 May)

"The @UN_HRC is a fraud. We will not cooperate with this mockery of human rights by the one body meant to be upholding human rights. The greatest travesty is that horrific human rights abuses are being ignored while the @UN_HRC repeatedly targets #Israel."

 III. Additional Examples

 

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 11 May)

"It is forbidden to say, God forbid, that there is a violent and barbaric culture here mixed with anti-Semitism and hatred of Israel56. That is racism. Shhhhh. The P.C 57does not allow it.

So we don't say it, and we don't recognize the truth, and we will continue to close our eyes and bury our heads in the sand, and we won't start dealing with this culture seriously to create a different reality for the benefit of all. Shhhhhh."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 10 May)

"A policy of zero enforcement and zero deterrence in the face of overt activities of Erdogan58, the Palestinian Authority, and many enemy factors, and when facing violent terrorism. Almost constant surrender and retreat (...)."

Miri Regev - Minister of Transportation, Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 23 May)

"Today, the Jews returned to the Temple Mount59.  Hamas took great blows during the military campaign; it did not and will not succeed in changing our policy regarding the Temple Mount. Every Jew who wants to ascent the Temple Mount60 has the right to do so."

Simcha Rothman – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 25 May)

"This morning, I came to the entrance to the Temple Mount61 to support the Jewish pilgrims.

According to the decisions of some Rabbis, the ascent to the mountain on purity strengthens the will and ability of the people of Israel to return to the Temple Mount. The Temple Mount62 should be under our control, not only in terms of statements heard since the Six-Day War63 but also in practice (...)."

Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Facebook, 10 May)

"We have lost sovereignty in Jerusalem. The time has come to re-liberate Jerusalem and the Temple Mount64 again and prove to them65 who is the master here."

Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 13 May) 

"I have visited the Avitar settlement66 (…) around 30 families moved to live in the settlement as an appropriate Zionist response to the events of the past few days67. They also teach us that our nation is a strong, believing nation, who will be victorious by the will of God. I hope our government is empowered by the strength of the people and will recognize the settlement as a permanent one. This will strengthen us against enemy riots68."

 

• 1. In reference to Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem
• 2. In reference to Palestinian martyrs that were killed as a result of Israel’s aggression on Gaza
• 3. In reference to the Palestinian people
• 4. In reference to the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
• 5. In reference to the 1967 war when Israel occupied East Jerusalem and merged it with West Jerusalem
• 6. In reference to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
• 7. In reference to Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem
• 8. In reference to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
• 9. In reference to Karm Al-Ja’ouni in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem, where Israel threatens over 70 Palestinian households with forced eviction/ transfer to advance its settlement project in the neighborhood and move in more of its illegal settlers
• 10. In reference to Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem
• 11. In reference to Karm Al-Ja’ouni in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem
• 12. In reference to Palestinian demonstrations against Israel’s ethnic cleansing policies in occupied Jerusalem
• 13. A right-wing settler organization promoting the Judaization of occupied Jerusalem
• 14. In reference to the judiciary decision regarding the fate of the families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood
• 15. In reference to the Palestinian people
• 16. In reference to the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
• 17. Dichter is warning Palestinians against any response to Israel’s prevention of holding elections in occupied Jerusalem
• 18. In reference to Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem
• 19. In reference to Sami Abu Shehadeh, MK of the Joint List party
• 20. In reference to the other Knesset members for the Joint List party
• 21. In reference to the Palestinian citizens of Israel
• 22. In reference to the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
• 23. In reference to the Palestinian people
• 24. In reference to the Palestinian Knesset members of the Joint List party
• 25. In reference to the Palestinian citizens of Israel
• 26. In reference to the Palestinian National Authority and Hamas
• 27. In reference to the Jewish citizens of Israel
• 28. In reference to Palestinians citizens of Israel in Acre
• 29. An Israeli settlers organization promoting the Judaization of occupied Jerusalem
• 30. Palestinian MK of the Arab United List party
• 31. In reference to the Palestinian citizens of Israel who took part in the demonstrations against Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people and were arrested later by the Israeli forces
• 32. In reference to the Southern Branch of the Islamic Movement in Israel
• 33. Aseel Gebara: a Palestinian citizen of Israel, a doctor who works in a hospital in Haifa city. Aseel chose to take part in the general strike against Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people on 18 May
• 34. In reference to the Palestinian people
• 35. In reference to the Palestinian citizens of Israel who demonstrated against Israel’s aggression against the Palestinian people
• 36. In reference to the Israeli settler who was arrested and later released for shooting to death Mousa Hassuna, a 33 -year- old Palestinian resident of Al-Lydd city (inside Israel) on 11 May
• 37. In reference to Israel’s illegal armed settlers who came from occupied West Bank to attack Palestinians in al-Lydd see: https://qudsnen.co/?p=24815
• 38. In reference to the Israeli settler who was arrested and later released for shooting to death Mousa Hassuna, a 33 -year- old Palestinian resident of Al-Lydd city (inside Israel) on 11 May
• 39. In reference to the Palestinian citizens of Israel
• 40. In reference to Israel’s illegal settlers
• 41. In reference to the Israeli settler who was arrested and later released for shooting to death Mousa Hassuna, a 33 -year- old Palestinian resident of Al-Lydd city (inside Israel) on 11 May
• 42. In reference to Palestinian citizens of Israel in Al-Lydd
• 43. In reference to Al-Lydd
• 44. In reference to Karm Al-Ja’ouni in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in occupied Jerusalem
• 45. In reference to the Palestinian Knesset members of the Joint List party
• 46. In reference to the 1967 war when Israel occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the Gaza strip, and the Golan Heights)
• 47. In reference to the Palestinian citizens of Israel
• 48. In reference to the Palestinian members of the Joint List party
• 49. Located in Haifa District, Wadi Ara valley and the surrounding area are mainly populated by Palestinians citizens of Israel
• 50. In reference to the Jewish politicians and journalists that supported Palestinians’ demonstrations against Israel’s aggression
• 51. An illegal Israeli colonial settlement installation (outpost) established on Palestinian lands south the West Bank city of Nablus
• 52. In reference to demonstrations held by the Palestinian citizens in Israel
• 53. The United Nations Human Rights Council held a special session on 27 May and voted to form an independent international commission of inquiry into the Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territory. For more information Wafa: https://english.wafa.ps/Pages/Details/124778
• 54. Ibid
• 55. In reference to Hamas
• 56. In reference to the Arab culture
• 57. Smotrich means it is politically incorrect
• 58. The President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan
• 59. In reference to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
• 60. Ibid
• 61. In reference to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
• 62. Ibid
• 63. In reference to the 1967 war
• 64. In reference to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
• 65. In reference to Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem
• 66. An Israeli illegal colonial settlement installation (outpost) established on Palestinians’ privately owned lands south Nablus city
• 67. In reference to the Israeli aggression against Palestinians
• 68. In reference to the Palestinian people