Rabbi condemned for condoning violence against Jewish politicians working with Arabs

Published 1d ago · Latest report 20h ago · Investigation

Affects Israel · Covered in 2 countries

AI summary42s readNegative

A senior rabbi faced swift condemnation and calls for investigation after suggesting Jewish politicians cooperating with Arabs should be killed.

A senior Chabad rabbi faced sharp criticism from his own movement after asserting that Jewish politicians cooperating with Arab parties could be killed. The comments invoked historical doctrines previously used to justify political assassinations in Israel. Former security chiefs urged law enforcement to investigate the statements as incitement to murder.

The reactionThe Chabad-Lubavitch movement publicly distanced itself from the remarks, describing them as a personal opinion.
The backgroundCritics noted the rhetoric echoes religious justifications invoked ahead of past political assassinations in the country.
The demandFormer security officials called for an immediate police investigation into the statements regarding incitement.

Why it matters

Statements by religious authorities that touch on political violence carry profound sensitivity in Israel, where rhetoric has historically intersected with deadly attacks on public figures. Incitement investigations test the boundaries between free speech and criminal incitement to violence.

Timeline2

Nov 12Former security chiefs urged police to investigate a rabbi for inciting murder against Jewish politicians cooperating with Arabs.
Nov 13The Chabad-Lubavitch movement distanced itself from Rabbi Gedalia Axelrod's remarks.

How outlets cover it

What outlets agree on

Senior Chabad rabbi Gedalia Axelrod made statements condoning the killing of Jewish politicians who work with Arab parties, drawing condemnation and demands for a police investigation.

Tune your feed

Reactions