Opposition MKs Demand State Attorney Investigate Rabbi Declaring 'Rodef Law'
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Members of Knesset Ofer Cassif and Michal Rozin have asked Israel's State Attorney to investigate Rabbi Gedalia Axelrod for declaring "Rodef Law" against politicians supporting a government reliant on Arab parties. The MKs argue the rabbi's statement constitutes incitement to violence, racism, and sedition, citing historical precedent of such declarations leading to violence. They are seeking a criminal investigation against the rabbi and anyone who amplified his message.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MKs Ofer Cassif and Michal Rozin asked the State Attorney to investigate Rabbi Gedalia Axelrod.
- The rabbi declared "Rodef Law" against politicians supporting a government with Arab party backing.
- The MKs claim the declaration constitutes incitement to violence, racism, and sedition.
- They warned that such pronouncements have historically led to violence, including assassinations.
- The MKs seek a criminal investigation against the rabbi and those who amplified his message.
Members of Knesset Ofer Cassif and Michal Rozin have appealed to the State Attorney, Gali Baharav-Miara, demanding an investigation into Rabbi Gedalia Axelrod. The rabbi recently published a public "discourse" declaring that public officials and party leaders who support a government reliant on Arab parties, including through abstentions, are subject to "Rodef Law" (law of a pursuer).
In her letter, MK Rozin emphasized the wide media and social media attention the rabbi's statement received, calling it a "deliberate declaration from a senior halachic authority." She warned that ignoring such pronouncements, as in the past, could lead to tragic consequences, referencing the assassination of a prime minister. Rozin argued that the statement is not protected by free speech and constitutes incitement to violence, as the term "Rodef Law" implies permission to harm or kill. She also contended it could be considered incitement to racism by delegitimizing a segment of the population and sedition by undermining the legitimacy of a lawful parliamentary process through threats of murder.
MK Cassif echoed these concerns, stating that Rabbi Axelrod's declaration implies a halachic permit to harm or kill those supporting a government with Arab party backing. Cassif asserted that declaring "Rodef Law" against individuals has been legally recognized as incitement to violence, murder, and terrorism. He highlighted that the justification for this halachic ruling, political cooperation with Arab citizens' representatives, demonstrates a clear racist motive for incitement. Cassif urged swift action by law enforcement, especially during the sensitive post-election transition period, to prevent threats against elected officials from endangering the democratic process. He also noted that the rabbi's recognized status and past official role within the state rabbinate underscore the urgency of legal action.
Both MKs requested that the State Attorney initiate a criminal investigation not only against Rabbi Axelrod but also against anyone who amplified his "violent call for Rodef Law."
