Sharp Incitement Against IDF Chief Sparks Political Condemnations and Notable Silence

A rally held on June 29 in Bnei Brak against the arrest of IDF deserters featured severe incitement against Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir. The event, attended by four Shas party Knesset members, included harsh statements such as those by Rabbi Aryeh Yazdi, who cursed Zamir and accused the army of promoting serious Torah violations. The rally also saw chants calling Shas leader Aryeh Deri a traitor.

The political response included strong condemnations from Defense Minister Israel Katz, President Isaac Herzog, and opposition leaders. Katz condemned the incitement, emphasizing the importance of respecting those responsible for Israel's security. Herzog called for respectful discourse even amid deep disagreements. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the ultra-Orthodox community and government ministers for their silence, accusing them of enabling incitement against soldiers and the Chief of Staff. Israel Beytenu chairman Avigdor Lieberman labeled the incitement a national disgrace and called on ultra-Orthodox leaders, including Deri, to strongly denounce the rally.

Despite these condemnations, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and many coalition members, including the Shas MKs present at the rally, remained silent. The incident highlights tensions within Israeli society over military desertion and the political divisions surrounding it. The government faces pressure to address the incitement and its implications for the IDF and national unity.