Rehovot Removes Sign Featuring Defense Minister Near Missile Debris Lion Sculpture

The Rehovot municipality has removed a sign placed near a public sculpture made from missile debris, which included the names of Defense Minister Israel Katz and Mayor Matan Dih. The sculpture, depicting a lion and created by artist Emilio Mogilner from remnants of a missile that struck the city, was inaugurated in late June. The sign detailed the sculpture's creation and the spirit of resilience, but the inclusion of Katz's and Dih's names sparked controversy among residents and opposition council members.

The controversy intensified when the artist himself stated he did not endorse the political inclusion on the sign. City council member Ital Alshich questioned the timing of the sign's placement during an election period, given its prominent display of senior public officials. The head of the city council's opposition, Yaniv Markovich, appealed to the Central Elections Committee and demanded the names be removed.

In response to Markovich's inquiry, the city's legal advisor clarified that the inscription was not placed at the mayor's behest and that he had ordered its immediate removal. The sign was subsequently taken down, leaving the lion sculpture in place.