Former Meretz Chair Uri Zakhi Condemns B'Tselem as Anti-Israeli Organization

Uri Zakhi, former chairman of Meretz's executive committee, sharply criticized the human rights group B'Tselem, calling it an "anti-Israeli" organization and expressing shame over his past association with it. In an interview with Knesset Channel, Zakhi accused B'Tselem of radicalizing over the years and acting against Israel's interests. He described the organization as having an anti-Israel agenda and questioned how it still considers itself an Israeli entity, calling the situation a "shame and disgrace." Zakhi explained that he once identified with B'Tselem's activities, which he believed aligned with the values of former Prime Minister Menachem Begin. However, he now views the group as extremist, especially given its use of terms like "apartheid" to describe Israel while Mansour Abbas, an Arab Israeli politician, sits in the governing coalition. Zakhi also noted that B'Tselem has become much more radical compared to the past, recalling that former Labor Party leader Amir Peretz was once a member of B'Tselem's public council. He concluded by acknowledging that the organization has changed significantly over time, implying a distancing from its original stance.