Opposition MKs Demand Investigation of Rabbi Declaring 'Pursuer's Law'

Members of Knesset Michal Rozin and Ofer Cassif have appealed to the State Attorney General, demanding an investigation into Rabbi Gedalyah Axelrod. The rabbi recently published a ruling declaring "pursuer's law" against supporters of a government that relies on Arab parties. MK Rozin emphasized in her letter that the rabbi's statement was not spontaneous but a deliberate declaration from a senior religious authority. She warned that such pronouncements, especially in a period of intense political polarization, could lead to violence, citing the historical precedent of a prime minister's assassination following a similar situation where authorities ignored such rulings.

Rozin argued that Rabbi Axelrod's statement falls outside the bounds of free speech and constitutes suspicion of serious criminal offenses, including incitement to violence under the Penal Law. She explained that the term "pursuer's law" in Jewish law permits lethal force against an aggressor. Furthermore, she contended that declaring "pursuer's law" against elected officials undermines the legitimacy of the parliamentary process and constitutes incitement to rebellion. She also suggested the ruling could be considered incitement to racism by delegitimizing an entire public sector based on its reliance on Arab representatives.

MK Cassif echoed these concerns, stating that Rabbi Axelrod's ruling implies a religious permission to harm or kill leaders of parties participating in a government supported by Arab parties. Cassif highlighted that declaring "pursuer's law" has been legally recognized as incitement to violence, murder, and terrorism. He also pointed out that the justification for the ruling, political cooperation with Arab citizens' representatives, indicates a clear racist motive for incitement. Cassif stressed the urgency of law enforcement action during this sensitive post-election transition period to protect elected officials and the democratic process from threats and incitement.

Both MKs requested that the investigation extend beyond Rabbi Axelrod to include anyone who helped amplify his "violent call for pursuer's law." Cassif also noted that the rabbi's recognized status as a prominent religious figure, who previously held an official position within the state rabbinate, underscores the urgency of legal action.