Israel Police has begun reviewing a complaint by United Torah Judaism chairman MK Yitzchak Goldknopf against former Arad mayor Nissim Ben Hamo over remarks seen as incitement against the Haredi public. In a formal letter sent to Goldknopf’s office after his appeal to Police Commissioner R. Sgt. Maj. Dani Levy, the Investigations and Intelligence Division said the request for a criminal probe is being examined by professional officials on suspicion of incitement.
The police letter said the force is not taking a position on the merits of the case at this stage and thanked Goldknopf for bringing the matter forward. The development was first reported by Kikar HaShabbat.
Goldknopf turned to Levy after Ben Hamo called for an “urban intifada” in the wake of protests held in Arad by Gerrer Hasidim. In a video he later published, Ben Hamo said, “When I said we need to go out to an urban intifada, some were outraged, that is what it means. If we do not stand on our hind legs, we will get this tens of times more.”
In his complaint, Goldknopf argued that use of the word “intifada” was not legitimate public criticism but a “clear call for violent acts, disruption of order, and endangering human life.” He asked police to examine the remarks criminally, and the matter is now under review by the Police Investigations and Intelligence Division.
