Journalist Defends Netanyahu Against Incitement Claims

Journalist Avishai Ben-Haim has refuted claims that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in incitement against the left-wing, particularly concerning a statement made in October 1997. Ben-Haim argued that the accusation, which suggests Netanyahu claimed "the left has forgotten what it means to be Jewish," is a fabrication used to damage Netanyahu's reputation.

According to Ben-Haim, the statement was taken out of context and distorted. He explained that Netanyahu's full quote was: "Left-wing people have forgotten what it means to be Jews. They think our security will be placed in the hands of Arabs. Arabs will take care of us. We will give them part of the land, they will take care of us. Where have you heard such a thing?" Ben-Haim asserted that Netanyahu was not questioning the left's Jewish identity, but rather their security doctrine, specifically their trust in Arab nations and the idea of trading land for peace.

Ben-Haim further contended that the statement was made privately to Rabbi Kaduri, not as part of a public incitement campaign. He blamed the "hegemonic media" for publishing and distorting the remark, thereby creating a false narrative to incite against Netanyahu. Ben-Haim stated that the original context was a legitimate debate about security concepts, contrasting the left's reliance on peace agreements with the right's skepticism.

These remarks were reportedly made in the "Traditional Sweet Q&A" section of the Makor Rishon newspaper. Ben-Haim expressed frustration, stating that this accusation has been repeatedly used against Netanyahu for 30 years due to a lack of other examples of incitement.