Ra'am MK Sparks Outrage by Calling Hamas Part Charity
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Member of Knesset Yasser Hegrat of Ra'am has caused outrage by stating that Hamas is partly a charity and part seeks statehood, while condemning terrorism. He also questioned the difference between sides when people are killed and noted a shift to the right in Israeli society post-October 7th. The Am Israel party condemned Hegrat's remarks, calling him a supporter of terrorism.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ra'am MK Yasser Hegrat stated Hamas is partly a charity and part seeks statehood.
- Hegrat condemned terrorism but questioned differences when people are killed.
- He noted Israeli society has shifted further right since October 7th.
- The Am Israel party called Hegrat's remarks shameful and demanded his imprisonment.
- Hegrat also advocated for continuing a policy of peace.
Member of Knesset Yasser Hegrat of the Ra'am party has ignited controversy with remarks made during an interview for the upcoming "Cabinet Friday" program. When asked if he defines Hamas as a terrorist organization, Hegrat avoided a direct answer, stating that part of Hamas is a charitable organization and another part seeks the right to exist as a state. He did, however, condemn violence and terrorism. When pressed by interviewer Nohad Droumi about the difference between sides in a conflict, Hegrat questioned, "Sometimes, when there is murder and people are killed, what is the difference?"
Earlier in the interview, Hegrat discussed the political landscape and the shift in Israeli society since October 7th, noting that society has moved further to the right. He suggested that opposition parties are adapting their messages to this trend to broaden their support base. Hegrat also recalled Ra'am's past participation in a right-wing government.
Regarding the ongoing targeted killings in Gaza, Hegrat stated, "We say, I say, the policy of peace must continue." In response to Hegrat's comments, the Am Israel party, led by Ofer Vinter, issued a statement calling his remarks "shameful." The party asserted that Hegrat, a senior coalition partner, is praising a terrorist organization responsible for the October 7th attacks and whose ideology aims to destroy Israel. The statement concluded that Hegrat should be in jail, not the Knesset.
