MK Ram Ben Barak Condemns Jewish Settler Violence in West Bank, Calls for Administrative Detentions

MK Ram Ben Barak sharply criticized the Israeli government for its handling of recent violent incidents in the West Bank village of Kusra. He described the attacks by Jewish rioters as "terror in every sense" and accused the government of encouraging such behavior by failing to act decisively. Ben Barak called for the reinstatement of administrative detention orders against Jewish extremists, highlighting the inconsistency of applying these measures only to Arab suspects. "This is a serious statement and I stand behind it," he said, emphasizing the need for equal enforcement of the law.

Ben Barak condemned the government's reluctance to authorize the military to use all necessary means to stop the violence, noting that soldiers face stone-throwing when attempting to intervene. He described the situation as a "disgrace" and a loss of Jewish values, criticizing the government for effectively supporting the rioters. He also accused the current coalition of buying power through financial incentives, calling it a "serious claim."

On the topic of military conscription, Ben Barak reiterated his stance that the draft law applies to all Israeli citizens without exemptions for specific sectors. He rejected the idea that only 30% of the population should serve, stating that everyone must enlist, including those who eventually receive exemptions. Regarding the Arab population, he acknowledged the state's decision not to mandate their conscription but stressed the importance of voluntary service opportunities.

Despite repeated allegations of public fund mismanagement, Ben Barak expressed cautious optimism about Israel's economic situation ahead of the 2026 elections. He argued against raising taxes and advocated for reallocating government spending away from coalition-related payments and non-productive sectors toward more productive uses. He emphasized the need to prioritize funding effectively to avoid financial crisis.

Ben Barak's comments come amid ongoing tensions in the West Bank and debates over national service and government spending, reflecting broader political and security challenges facing Israel.