National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Wednesday called opposition leader Yair Golan a 'hater of Israel' and an 'auto-antisemite' following Golan's remarks about Haredi conscription. Ben Gvir said he will petition the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Golan from running, citing 'racist blood libels' against the Haredi sector. He also reiterated his claim to have recruited 1,400 Haredim to the police and Border Police.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir escalated his criticism of opposition leader Yair Golan on Wednesday, responding to Golan's recent remarks on Haredi conscription. Ben Gvir called Golan a 'hater of Israel' and an 'auto-antisemite' who spreads 'racist blood libels' against the Haredi community. He announced that his Otzma Yehudit party will petition the Central Elections Committee to disqualify Golan from the upcoming elections, citing what he described as Golan's 'revolting racism.'
The exchange comes amid a heated election campaign and a long-running debate over Haredi military conscription. Golan, leader of the Democrats party, said last week that the IDF is not ready to absorb thousands of Haredi recruits who would need gender-separated conditions, and that Israel does not want a population lacking education, motivation, or physical fitness — remarks that drew sharp criticism from Haredi leaders and right-wing politicians.
Ben Gvir also reiterated his claim to have recruited 1,400 Haredim to the Israel Police and Border Police, a figure he first cited in July. That claim has not been independently verified. The Zioneer previously reported on Ben Gvir's earlier statement as well as Golan's remarks.
The petition to disqualify a candidate based on statements is a rare but not unprecedented step in Israeli electoral politics. The Central Elections Committee, composed of Supreme Court justices and Knesset members, has previously disqualified candidates for incitement to racism or support for terrorism.
2 developments
- StrongAttorney General demands High Court dismiss Minister Ben Gvir ahead of elections
- DevelopingBen Gvir reportedly moves to transfer local political infrastructure from Religious Zionism to Otzma Yehudit
- DevelopingBen Gvir gives Netanyahu ultimatum: Dismiss Attorney General as condition for government
- DevelopingYair Golan: High Court red-cards coalition bid to void secret ballot in comptroller appointment
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