Likud Files Police Complaint Against Gadi Eisenkot Over 'Treachery' Remarks

The Likud party has filed a police complaint against Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the "Yashar!" party, alleging that his recent remarks about Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could incite violence. The complaint, submitted by attorney Ilan Bombach, centers on Eisenkot's statement that Netanyahu's conduct is "on the border of embezzlement and betrayal." Eisenkot reportedly reiterated this sentiment, placing Netanyahu's actions "on the axis between embezzlement and betrayal."

In their complaint, Likud argues that the use of the term "betrayal" in relation to the Prime Minister is particularly serious given the recent threats against public figures. The party expressed concern that such statements could be interpreted by some listeners as justification for violence against Netanyahu.

Attorney Bombach's letter to the police asserts that freedom of expression cannot, in these circumstances, serve as a "cloak for publications that create a real danger of deteriorating from verbal violence to physical violence." The filing of the complaint does not constitute a determination that an offense has been committed, and the decision to open an investigation and the steps to be taken are up to the Israel Police and law enforcement agencies.