Journalist Michael Shemesh Expresses Personal Pain Over Rabbi Yizdi's Harsh Criticism of IDF Chief

Journalist Michael Shemesh spoke on 103fm radio on Tuesday about Rabbi Yizdi's severe condemnation of the IDF Chief of Staff, in which the rabbi cursed him by saying "may his name and memory be erased." Shemesh expressed that the remarks hurt him personally, noting his background growing up near the site of related protests. He lamented the public's drift toward extreme views but emphasized that most of the ultra-Orthodox community does not share such hostility toward the military leader.

Aral Segal added context by recalling that exaggeration in speech has been common in the ultra-Orthodox community, citing examples from the 1970s when some called police officers Nazis in Jerusalem. He pointed out that what made Rabbi Yizdi's statement notable was the personal nature of the curse directed at the IDF Chief.

The controversy drew political attention as well, with Prime Minister Netanyahu condemning the incitement against the military chief, highlighting the sensitivity and seriousness of the issue within Israeli society.