Israeli Official Incitement: May 2022
Israeli Official Incitement: May 2022
I. Against the Palestinian People
Benyamin Netanyahu – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 29 May 2022)
“We have always remembered that Jerusalem is our home. But today, there are those who feel ownership over Jerusalem[1]. They wave the PLO and Hamas flags around the city, they burn the Israeli flag in the Temple Mount[2], they threaten any who waves our flag in our capital with terrorism.”
Nir Barkat – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 06 May 2022)
“I call on the government to quickly adopt my bill proposal[3] – And allow any released fighter[4] who meets the criteria to carry a weapon. Terrorism[5] is hitting the streets of Israel – And combat units graduates are the ones who can protect the citizens of Israel against it and immediately terminate any terrorist![6]”
David Amsalem – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 06 May 2022)
“A nation[7] that sanctifies joy and life - Faced with a nation[8] that sanctifies destruction and death…This is the painful reality of our life. But they will not break us, never! (…)”
Shlomo Karhi – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 05 May 2022)
“What has always fueled terrorism is the killers' hope[9]. Unfortunately, with this government[10], their[11] hope has multiplied, their motivation is high, and their hands are stained with the blood of saints[12]. The order must be: Elimination! Maybe now you can stop all the facilitations, eliminate Sinwar[13] and the terrorism heads in Gaza, seal those gaps[14] and start working.”
Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 05 May 2022) [15]
“Now in the Temple Mount with my sweet wife and cute son, David – We are not afraid of Hamas's threats. It is time to assassinate Hamas's speaker, and establish a synagogue on the Temple Mount. We are the owners of the land of Israel, and not a bunch of terrorists”
Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 14 May 2022)
“I managed to arrive to the entrance of the terrorist’s[16] room. Any normal country would execute him on the electric chair. Only in Israel he is treated.”
Nir Barkat - Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 27 May 2022)
“This Sunday, I plan on marching with the flag of Israel in the flag parade in Jerusalem. I call you all to join me and wave the national flag in our united capital. The threats of Hamas do not deter us, to the contrary: I suggest that Hamas should be deterred from us. We will not allow terrorist organizations to question our sovereignty in Jerusalem, our capital, and together we will march with our heads held high and the flag of Israel in the streets of Jerusalem, our capital forever.”
Ayelet Shaked – Minister of Interior Affairs (Twitter, 06 May 2022)
“I congratulate the gathering of the high planetary council[17], in preparation for the construction of 4000 residential units, including Mizpah Dani[18], a town that is special to me, which I have been supporting for years. Construction in Judea and Samaria[19] is a basic, needed, and obvious matter.”
II. Supporting the Assassination of Palestinian Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh [20]
Merav Ben Ari – Member of the Knesset for Yesh Atid Party (Twitter, 14 May)[21]
“I am not sorry for the death of Shireen Abu Akleh.”
Benjamin Netanyahu – Member of the Knesset for the Likud and head of the opposition (Facebook, 11 May 2022)
“I fully support the IDF fighters and commanders – in both their struggle against terrorism and against the Palestinian propaganda of lies[22]. I condemn the lies voiced against our soldiers – not only those that are coming from the Palestinian side, but also from Bennett’s coalition members [23](…)”
Galit Distel Atbaryan – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Twitter, 12 May 2022)
“While Israel is bleeding in the propaganda campaign over the killing of Al-Jazeera journalist, and many of our good representatives are sweating on every possible platform to dispute the lies of the Arabs[24] – Minister Nachman Shai woke up one morning and decided that it was a good idea to say that Israel as a state is not reliable in these issues during a radio interview.”
Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 11 May 2022)
“When terrorists are shooting at our soldiers in Jenin, they should retaliate in full force, even if there are “journalists” from Al-Jazeera, who not once deliberately stood in the middle of battles and disrupted the soldiers… according to reports, she was killed by terrorists’ fire, but regardless, I fully support our heroic IDF soldiers.”
Bezalel Smotrich – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 14 May 2022)
“Shireen Abu Akleh was part of the Arab war machine against Israel during her life, and continues, in her death, to act as a battering ram of lies in the de-legitimization campaign of our enemies[25]. Her funeral procession was a continued show of incitement and a maddening struggle against Israel, from Jenin to the Muqata’a[26] until Jerusalem, our capital. That is the truth. Enough groveling and apologizing.”
Ayelet Shaked – Minister of Interior Affairs (Twitter, 11 May 2022)
“No, Mossi[27]. This is not how “occupation” looks like, this is what the lying Palestinian propaganda looks like. This is how hero warriors entering Jenin to face the armed ones in their homes (…). We support our warriors and we will continue to fight terrorism without compromise[28].”
Nir Orbach – Member of the Knesset for the Yemina party (Twitter, 13 May 2022)
“Waleed[29], the main mistake is the word “occupation”, because it does not exist. No “occupation” killed the reporter[30], and no “occupation” is preventing participation in her funeral. “Occupation” does not prevent a serious investigation into her death[31]. The IDF is the most moral army in the world. “Enough with the lying terminology. The Arab society needs to check itself. (…)[32]”
Naftali Bennett – Prime Minister of Israel (Twitter, 11 May 2022)
“After years of getting used to seeing the world adopting the Palestinian narrative as absolute truth, finally, there is a national propaganda machine that does not abandon the media platforms to the lies of our enemies[33] (…)”
III. Against the Indigenous Palestinian Citizens of Israel
Orit Strock – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 06 May 2022)
“The law of the annulment of citizenship from terrorists[34] is the 1st elemental step that must be taken immediately in light of the kill orders given by Sinwar to the Arabs in Israel[35] (…)
Shlomo Karhi – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 26 May 2022)
“Ahmad Tibi and Samy Abu Shahadeh[36], representatives of the fake people[37].
No past, no future, and with a dream that we will not allow.”
Avi Dicter – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 16 May 2022)
“Jenin, Jenin”[38] is a known Palestinian provocation that was memorialized in a film of lies!
This provocation must be condemned. They will not win against us with terrorism and lying movies (…)”
Eli Cohen – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 07 May 2022)
“Bennett's government cannot fight terrorism[39], since it relies on Hamas supporters[40] and has lost its deterrence. The State of Israel, which is a Jewish state, is the only one in the Middle East with the Muslim Brotherhood as part of its government![41] If I was sitting in the security cabinet, I would have recommended to immediately switch to assassinations, the first of which is Al- Sinwar, who is a Son of Death[42]”
Israel Katz – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 13 May 2022)
“We are in the midst of a fight for our home, facing extremists’ factors among Arab Israelis. That is the biggest danger that threatens us from within. The lynch in Akko[43], and the violence of Arab MKs[44], who the government depends on, in front of police officers, show total loss of deterrence. The Jews are viewed as weak and beaten, the IDF’s force does not provide a solution for the threat within.
I pledge to the public that when we return to power, we will act completely different. Even from how we have acted before, with a decisive and hard hand when faced with Arab’s violence and terrorism from within, and this is to ensure that Jews can live safely and proudly in this land[45].”
Itamar Ben Gvir – Member of the Knesset for the Religious Zionism party (Twitter, 12 May 2022)
“Watch the terrorist and terrorism supporter, Ahmad Tibi, disrupting the police officers while they are doing their job, he pushes and shoves the officer, and if that was not enough, he smuggles a detainee from police custody. Tell me what is this if not aiding outlaws and supporting terrorism [46](…)”
Shlomo Karhi – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 18 May 2022)
“(…) since this evil government was established, all the Arab terrorism supporters[47] and Arab rioters[48] are raising their ugly heads (…)”
Sharren Haskel – Member of the Knesset for the New Hope party (Facebook, 23 May 2022)
“The case of bringing Palestinian flags into the Ben Gurion University joins a line of serious events that happened in academia recently[49], where red lines have been crossed. This morning, I had a loaded discussion in the education committee. It cannot be that students are afraid to come to campus due to fear for their personal safety. Violence and incitement have no place, especially in academic institutions [50](…)”
Shlomo Karhi – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 16 May 2022)
“A student waving the flag of the enemy[51] – will not receive a degree and will be expelled from the university. Additionally, an institution that does not deal with statements and actions against Israel by their staff – will receive serious sanctions[52].”
IV. Against President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian Leadership
Avi Dicter – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 24 May 2022)
“The Bennett-Lapid government is actually paying, through the Palestinian Authority, 500 million Shekels to killers of Israelis[53]. I do not intent to let this continue [54](...)”
Eli Cohen – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 28 May 2022)
“It is time to put an end to the hypocrisy and incitement, and to strengthen the sovereignty.
Tomorrow, my bill proposal prohibiting the waving of an enemy state’s flag, including the Palestinian Authority, in any institute funded by the state, including universities, will be presented to the Ministerial Committee![55] The hypocrisy of some of the Arab Israelis, who want to enjoy the Israeli money, but at the same time to incite against the State of Israel and damage its sovereignty. By the way, whoever views himself as a Palestinian will get all the help needed from us to move to Gaza in one way direction permanently! (…)[56]”
Ofir Akunis – Member of the Knesset for the Likud party (Facebook, 24 May 2022)
“A weak and extorted government, which during its time the enemy[57] raises its head and is not afraid to wave PLO flags everywhere! PLO flags, not “Palestinian” flags, because there is no such thing as Palestinian – and there never will be. This is a fiction that exists in the minds of some people (…).”[58]
Im Tirtzu movement (Twitter, 26 May 2022)
“University deans approved protests that violate the fight against terrorism law[59]!” A shameful morning. The committee of university Deans decided to issue a letter in support of the president of Ben Gurion University for allowing the waving of PLO flags [60](…)”
[1] In reference to Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem
[2] In reference to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
[3] MK Likud Nir Barkat submitted a bill allowing former occupation soldiers to go through a fast-track process to acquiring weapons as civilians
[4] In reference to Israeli occupation soldiers who finished their military service
[5] In reference to Palestinians
[6] Ibid
[7] In reference to the Israeli Jewish people
[8] In reference to Palestinians
[9] MK Karhi claims that what motivates the Palestinians to "kill Jews" is the benefits they get; the social allowances paid by the Palestinian National Authority to Palestinian prisoners, martyrs, and their families.
[10] MK Karhi implies that the current government is a pro-Palestinian one that benefits the Palestinians instead of fighting them.
[11] In reference to Palestinians
[12] In reference to Israelis
[13] Yehya Al-Sinwar is Hamas Chief in Gaza
[14] In reference to the gaps in Israel's annexation wall
[15] MK Ben Gvir claims that Hamas is threatening to kill him if he invades Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
[16] In reference to Dawoud Zubeidi (43 years old) who was shot by the Israeli occupation forces during their invasion of the Jenin refugee camp. He was arrested and later died of injuries he sustained
[17] High Planetary Council is part of the Civil Administration and is responsible for all construction in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
[18] An Israeli illegal settlement located to the east of Ramallah city in the occupied West Bank
[19] In reference to the occupied West Bank of the State of Palestine
[20] Assassinated Palestinian-American journalist who was killed by the Israeli occupation forces in Jenin on 11 May 2022 while covering an invasion of the refugee camp in Jenin by the Israeli occupation forces.
[21] As shown in a video published by Orit Givaty, the director of the NGO Breaking the Silence, in an interview with Israeli TV channel 12, MK Ben Ari has refused to apologize for Shireen Abu Akleh's assassination
[22] MK Netanyahu claims that the Palestinian accusations that Israeli occupation forces killed Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh are lies and defamatory
[23] Israel's Diaspora Minister Nachman Shai caused quite a stir when he commented on the assassination of Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh, saying "with all due respect to us, let's say Israel's credibility in such cases is not very high". The statement was made during an interview with Israeli Radio 103FM.
[24] In reference to Palestinians
[25] In reference to Palestinians, especially the Palestinian National Authority
[26] The Palestinian Presidential compound in Ramallah
[27] In reference to MK Mossi Raz for Meretz party
[28] Minister Shaked's response to MK Raz who tweeted: "Shireen Abu Akleh was shot to death while she was on duty in Jenin refugee camp. This is what occupation looks like".
[29] In reference to MK Waleed Taha from the United Arab List party
[30] In reference to Palestinian Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
[31] In reference to the Palestinian leadership's refusal of the Israeli request to conduct a joint investigation into the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh
[32] The tweet from MK Orbach follows MK Taha's tweet in which the latter accused the occupation of assassinating Shireen Abu Akleh and suppressing the right of the Palestinians to mourn her
[33] Bennett's response to a CNN interview with an Israeli police officer who claimed it was still too early to decide who shot Shireen Abu Akleh.
[34] MKs Orit Strock and Avi Dicter initiated a bill that calls to annul the citizenship of Palestinian citizens of Israel that were accused to be involved in what they claim as a 'terrorist attack' against Israelis. Those who receive social allowances from the PNA will lose their citizenship under the bill.
[35] According to MK Orit Strock, Hamas chief in Gaza, Yehya Al- Sinwar, called on Palestinian citizens of Israel to attack Israelis.
[36] Palestinian Arab MKs from the Joint List party
[37] In reference to the Palestinian people, whom MK Karhi does not recognize their existence
[38] "Jenin, Jenin" is a film directed by a Palestinian citizen of Israel, Mohammad Bakri, in order to portray what he calls "the Palestinian truth" relating to the "Battle of Jenin" against Israel's aggression in April 2002. The movie is banned in Israel.
[39] In reference to Palestinians
[40] In reference to the United Arab List party
[41] Ibid
[42] Meaning someone who committed a horrible crime and must be killed
[43] In May 2022, two Jewish brothers claimed they were lynched by 30 Palestinian youths from Akko after an argument at a gas station.
[44] Two MKs from the Joint List party, Ahmad Tibi and Ofer Cassif, had arguments with Israeli police officers in two different incidents. MK Tibi argued with a policeman during Israeli forces' attacks against Palestinians following Shireen Abu Akleh's assassination. At a demonstration for left-wing activists south of Hebron, Ofer Cassif was involved in another incident with the occupation police.
[45] MK Katz implies that Israel is at war with its Palestinian citizens, who refuse to accept Israel's sovereignty and Jewish identity.
[46]The Israeli occupation forces brutally attacked Palestinians as they rushed to attend Shireen Abu Akleh's funeral after her assassination. MK Tibi, who was at the funeral, argued with an occupation police officer who tried to arrest a Palestinian man. Ben Gvir's allegations are clearly debunked in the video attached to the post.
[47] In reference to MKs of the Joint List and the United Arab List parties
[48] In reference to Palestinians
[49] In remembrance of Al-Nakba day, the Dean of Ben-Gurion University in the Negev allowed the Palestinian students to raise Palestinian flags. Israel's politicians were enraged by the event and harshly incited against the head of the university.
[50] MK Haskel claims that raising the Palestinian flag in Israeli academic institutions is inciting violence and a threat to the safety of the students.
[51] In reference to the Palestinian flag
[52] This post follows the incident at Tel Aviv University on 15 May where Palestinian students raised the Palestinian flag in commemoration of Al-Nakba day, causing anger among Israeli students and politicians. MK Karhi submitted a bill that would prohibit the raising of flags of enemy countries and censor the statements made by university staff (such as faculty members and administrative staff).
[53] In reference to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails
[54] In reference to Israeli news reports that the Israeli defense minister provided 500 million NIS as part of the facilitation that President Abbas agreed to during their meeting in August 2021. MK Dicter claimed that the loan is not intended to help the PNA recover from its bad economic situation, but will be paid to Palestinian prisoners as salaries.
[55] A ministerial committee is a committee of government portfolio ministers. In the event that no minister has appealed against the decision, the committee's decision is considered governmental.
[56] The bill was introduced in response to an incident at Ben-Gurion University in the Negev, during which Palestinian students raised Palestinian flags as part of the commemoration of Al-Nakba Day. As a result of the incident, Israeli politicians have incited harsh criticism against the head of the University for allowing the event, which led MK Cohen to introduce the bill.
[57] In reference to Palestinians
[58] In reference to Palestinians and some of the left-wing Israelis
[59] By passing the "Anti-Terror" (Counter-Terrorism) Law in 2016, Israel expanded and strengthened the powers of the occupation police and the General Security Services to suppress legitimate protests by Palestinian citizens of Israel and Palestinian residents of the occupied West Bank. For more information about this law, check the following link: https://www.adalah.org/en/law/view/598
[60] See footnote 49