Watchdog Group Demands Criminal Probe Against Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef

The Movement for Quality of Government in Israel has called for a criminal investigation into Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Sephardi Chief Rabbi, following his sharp criticism of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Rabbi Yosef vehemently condemned Baharav-Miara's decision to prohibit a memorial rally for his late father, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. He accused the Attorney General of discrimination, contrasting the ban with memorial events for Yitzhak Rabin, and labeled the decision 'wicked.'

The watchdog group submitted a formal request to the Attorney General, the State Prosecutor, the Police Commissioner, and the head of the Police Investigations and Intelligence Department. They argue that Rabbi Yosef's remarks, given his prominent status and wide reach, could constitute incitement to violence. The organization believes his public position was used to attack legal officials and that his words may have crossed a criminal threshold.

Rabbi Yosef's criticism stemmed from the Attorney General's prohibition of the memorial rally for Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, which he described as persecution. He highlighted the massive attendance at his father's funeral, emphasizing his broad appeal beyond any specific sector. Rabbi Yosef questioned the legal basis for the ban, calling it 'wicked' and comparing it to the permitted memorial events for the assassinated Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, whom he characterized as a political figure, unlike his father, a religious leader.

In his remarks, Rabbi Yosef urged people to disregard the Attorney General's opinion, stating, 'Do not listen to her! Who is she anyway? Give her her punishment. Messing with Maran? This will not pass in silence.'

The Attorney General's decision, related to election period restrictions, also drew strong opposition from supporters of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who argued the event was a memorial for a religious leader, not a political rally. The Ministry of Religious Services opposed the directive, citing a law requiring the state to hold a national commemoration for Rabbi Yosef's legacy. The Ministry's director questioned the legal basis for canceling the rally for Rabbi Yosef while allowing Rabin's memorial.

Shas party officials also condemned the Attorney General's demand, calling it an affront to Rabbi Ovadia Yosef's memory and a violation of the law. Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri stated that the upcoming elections would be a choice between the Attorney General's authority, which he claims seeks to erase Torah and Jewish heritage, and the legacy of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and Jewish tradition.