Ex-Security Chiefs Condemn "Shameful Betrayal" After Photographer Attacked
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Former Israeli security chiefs have written to American photographer Heidi Levine, who was injured in the West Bank, condemning "Jewish terrorism" and calling it a "shameful betrayal." The officials expressed deep anger over the violence against Levine and criticized government officials for allegedly encouraging violent settlers. They stated that only a fundamental policy change in Jerusalem can end the phenomenon.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Israeli security chiefs condemned violence against photographer Heidi Levine in the West Bank.
- The officials called the actions of violent Jewish settlers a "shameful betrayal" and "Jewish terrorism."
- The letter expressed deep sympathy and anger over the attack on Levine while she worked.
- The signatories criticized government and Knesset members for allegedly encouraging and protecting violent settlers.
- They called for a fundamental policy change in Jerusalem to end the violence.
- The group included former Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and ex-Mossad chief Tamir Pardo.
A group of former senior Israeli security officials, including ex-Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo, former Shin Bet chief Ami Ayalon, and former Police Commissioner Moshe Karadi, have sent an unusual letter to American photographer Heidi Levine. Levine was injured while covering riots in the West Bank.
The officials expressed outrage over the incident, criticizing what they termed "Jewish terrorism" in the West Bank. They stated that such violence brings shame upon Israel and the Jewish people, and undermines Israel's security. The letter described the actions of violent Jewish settlers as a "betrayal of everything we dedicated our lives to defending."
In their message to Levine, the former officials conveyed their "deep sympathy and deep anger" over the violence she endured while performing her journalistic duties. They emphasized that only a "fundamental change in policy in Jerusalem" can end this "dangerous and shameful phenomenon."
The letter, signed by hundreds of members of the "Commanders for Israel's Security" movement and other former high-ranking officials, also pointed to the role of senior government and Knesset members in encouraging and assisting violent settlers. They believe these actions are enabled by government officials who provide resources and protection from law enforcement.
The signatories include former IDF Deputy Chief of Staff Matan Vilnai, former President of the Israel National Academy of Sciences David Harel, and others from the security, legal, academic, and business sectors. They expressed solidarity with Levine, concern for her well-being, and wished her a full and speedy recovery.
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