Shas Party Condemns Extreme Remarks Against IDF Chief at Bnei Brak Protest

A political and public controversy erupted following inflammatory remarks made during a mass protest against the military draft law held Monday in Bnei Brak. At the event, Rabbi Aryeh Yazdi sharply attacked the IDF Chief of Staff, using the harsh phrase "may his name and memory be erased," which sparked widespread outrage.

In response to the backlash, the Shas party issued a clear and official statement Tuesday distancing itself from these extreme comments. The party leadership emphasized that such statements do not reflect the views of the Council of Torah Sages, the party’s spiritual authority, and sought to sever any association between Shas and the provocative rhetoric heard at the rally.

Shas highlighted that the aggressive and offensive tone toward the defense establishment contradicts the party’s longstanding official and historical approach, which was shaped by the late Rabbi Ovadia Yosef. The statement underscored that the respectful and moderate stance toward security leaders was exemplified by the senior spiritual leader, Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, in his speech at the same protest.

The controversy also sparked criticism on social media, with some accusing Prime Minister Netanyahu of remaining silent amid the incitement. Shas reaffirmed its commitment to a respectful discourse consistent with its tradition and leadership.