Police Chief's Greeting to Politician Sparks Controversy at Rabin Memorial
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Police Commissioner Danny Levy was seen shaking hands with Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, at a state memorial for Yitzhak Rabin. The gesture occurred amid political tensions and a budget dispute between Levy and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. President Yitzhak Herzog warned against political incitement at the ceremony, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's absence drew criticism.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Police Commissioner Danny Levy shook hands with politician Yair Golan at the Yitzhak Rabin memorial ceremony.
- The handshake occurred amid a budget dispute between Levy and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
- President Herzog warned against incitement and political violence ahead of elections.
- President Herzog stated Rabin's assassin Yigal Amir should remain in prison without commutation.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's absence from the ceremony drew political criticism.
During the state memorial ceremony marking 31 years since the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, an unusual moment occurred. Police Commissioner Danny Levy was seen shaking hands with Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party. Levy reportedly wished Golan "good luck," a gesture that has drawn attention given the current political climate and the ongoing dispute between Levy and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir over the police budget. Ben-Gvir and Levy have recently clashed, with Levy warning that budget delays could impair police operational capabilities, while Ben-Gvir argued some funds were for non-operational needs.
The memorial ceremony, held at the burial site of the nation's leaders on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, commemorated 31 years since Rabin's assassination and 26 years since the death of his wife, Leah. Attendees included President Yitzhak Herzog, Rabin's family, and senior security and legal officials, such as Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Police Commissioner Danny Levy, and Shin Bet head David Zini. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was absent due to a scheduling conflict, according to his office.
President Herzog used his address to warn against incitement and political violence ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, stating, "Words are deadly!" He urged candidates, leaders, and opinion shapers to be careful with their speech and emphasized that elections are not a civil war. Herzog also addressed calls for the release of Rabin's assassin, Yigal Amir, firmly stating that the "wicked murderer must finish his life in prison. Period. Without any reduction, pardon, or commutation."
Netanyahu's absence also drew political criticism. Member of Knesset Gilad Kariv attacked the Prime Minister on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting Netanyahu's office's explanation of a scheduling conflict was disingenuous, implying he avoided the ceremony due to his own political rhetoric.
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