developing· Politics· Updated
Religious Services Director Demands Probe of Haaretz Journalist for Incitement
Yehuda Avidan, the Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services and acting Director General of the Chief Rabbinate, has demanded an investigation into Haaretz journalist Yael Friedson over a social media post. The demand follows a response Friedson published on the platform X on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
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What happened
- 01Ministry of Religious Services Director General Yehuda Avidan demanded an investigation into Haaretz journalist Yael Friedson over a social media post.
- 02Friedson responded to an online question about which public building to burn by naming the Chief Rabbinate offices.
- 03The original post on the platform X compared potential Israeli protests to riots in France.
- 04Avidan sent letters demanding a probe to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and Police Commissioner Dani Levi.
- 05The official argued that Friedson's response constitutes incitement to violence and a direct threat to the Rabbinate, its staff, and visitors.
- 06Avidan requested an urgent investigation into potential offenses of incitement and threats.
- 07The Director General also called for increased security measures around the Chief Rabbinate offices.
The incident began when a social media user asked which public building people would burn if protests in Israel resembled those in France. Friedson replied to the post with the words, "The Chief Rabbinate offices."
In letters to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, Police Commissioner Dani Levi, and Head of the Investigations Department Boaz Balt, Avidan argued that Friedson's comment constitutes incitement to violence and a direct threat. He stated that the post marks the Rabbinate as a legitimate target for arson, endangering its employees and visitors.
Avidan requested an urgent investigation into the publication for suspected offenses of incitement and threats. Additionally, he called for immediate security reinforcement around the Chief Rabbinate offices to ensure the safety of the public and staff.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
Latest report: Israel National News. Read Israel National News’s original
The coverage
4 newsrooms on this story
Who covered it
- LeftNone
- CentreNone
- Right3
- Haredi1
- ArabNone
Not in the Centre press
