Likud Files Police Complaint Against MK Ram Ben Barak for Inciting Against Prime Minister

The Likud party has filed an urgent complaint with the Israel Police against Member of Knesset Ram Ben Barak of the Yesh Atid party, accusing him of inciting violence. The complaint stems from Ben Barak's recent remarks in an interview where he called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the greatest enemy of the State of Israel." Ben Barak reiterated his statement when questioned further, standing firmly behind his words.

Likud alleges that Ben Barak's statement constitutes a dangerous de-legitimization that could be interpreted as justification for action against the Prime Minister. The party, represented by the law firm Ilan Bombach & Co., emphasized that this was not a momentary slip of the tongue but a deliberate and conscious position.

In their complaint, Likud lawyers argued that the term "enemy" carries severe connotations in Israel, implying someone who seeks to harm the nation and its citizens, requiring defense against them. They stated that labeling the Prime Minister with this term far exceeds the boundaries of legitimate political criticism.

The party further highlighted that the gravity of such statements is amplified because they come from an elected official who benefits from a public platform. Likud contends that presenting the Prime Minister as the nation's enemy creates a dangerous de-legitimization, suggesting he should be fought as an enemy, with all the implications that entails.

Likud's complaint also noted that such statements are particularly dangerous given the charged public atmosphere in Israel and the constant threats directed at public figures, especially the Prime Minister. The party believes that the repeated and firm use of the word "enemy" in relation to the Prime Minister could be perceived by some listeners as justification for action against the person presented as the country's greatest foe. While acknowledging the importance of political free speech, even for harsh statements, Likud stressed that free speech cannot shield publications that create a real danger of escalating from verbal to physical violence.