Israeli Opposition Leaders Condemn Government Over Settler Violence
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Israeli opposition leaders Yair Golan and Yair Lapid have strongly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government for failing to curb settler violence. Golan accused the government of increasing terror threats and Lapid condemned the authorities for allegedly permitting and encouraging attacks, including one on a journalist. The criticism follows incidents where armed settlers attacked Palestinians and diplomats, with one journalist requiring surgery for serious injuries. Both opposition figures called for decisive government action against radical elements.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Yair Golan accused Netanyahu's government of increasing the terror threat due to settler violence.
- Yair Lapid stated the government permits and encourages attacks by Jewish extremists.
- A journalist for The Washington Post was severely injured in an attack by armed settlers.
- Golan called for administrative detention and action against Jewish extremists.
- Lapid promised opposition efforts to stop the violence, calling it a disgrace to Israel.
Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli Democratic Party, has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, including Minister Bezalel Smotrich, of exacerbating the terror threat. Golan's criticism followed reports of radical settlers attacking European diplomats in Judea and Samaria. He described the current situation as the country "drowning in a sea of terror," emphasizing that the fight against Jewish terrorism must be as resolute as the fight against Palestinian terrorism. Golan called for the return of administrative detention for dangerous Jewish extremists and the dismantling of illegal outposts. He made these remarks on social media platform X, urging the government to take concrete action against radicals.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid also sharply criticized Netanyahu's government following an attack by Israeli settlers on The Washington Post journalist Heidi Levine. Levine was covering olive harvesting in the West Bank when she was injured and required surgery. Lapid stated on October 16 that such attacks by Jewish extremists should not be seen solely as a government failure, but rather as actions implicitly permitted and encouraged by the authorities. He specifically mentioned National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir as supporting radicals, while Netanyahu is aware but inactive. Lapid vowed that the opposition would work to end this practice, calling the situation a disgrace to Israel and the Jewish people, and a severe blow to the country's international image.
According to Reuters and The Washington Post, dozens of masked, armed settlers attacked Palestinians harvesting olives. Journalist Heidi Levine, clearly identifiable as press, was among those present. Reports indicate the attackers knocked her down and kicked her multiple times, resulting in a broken rib, numerous wounds, and a severe arm injury requiring surgery. At least two other individuals were reportedly injured. Israeli military forces arrived at the scene, but violence reportedly continued, drawing criticism of the soldiers' actions.
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