Speaking during a ceremony for the Jerusalem Unity Prize, Herzog expressed concern over what he called a growing wave of violence carried out by extremist elements.
According to reports, the Israeli president warned that such actions damage national unity and undermine the country’s values.
“We are witnesses to a wave of terrible violence that is being carried out by an anarchist mob, acts that defile and violate every basic moral, legal, and Jewish norm,” Herzog said during the event.
The president stressed that violence and lawlessness should never be tolerated regardless of political or ideological differences.
“We are witnesses to a wave of terrible violence that is being carried out by an anarchist mob, acts that defile and violate every basic moral, legal, and Jewish norm,” Herzog said during the event.
The president stressed that violence and lawlessness should never be tolerated regardless of political or ideological differences.
He argued that society must clearly reject acts capable of deepening tensions and harming innocent people.
“We must not tolerate this brutishness that comes from the margins of society and threatens us all,” Herzog added.
According to him, Israel remains a strong nation with resilient citizens, but he insisted that there must be limits that cannot be crossed under any circumstance.
“Our people are a magnificent people, with tremendous strengths, but we must draw red lines. I stand here and say it out loud — unity begins with humanity,” he stated.
Herzog also addressed concerns regarding the treatment of detainees and prisoners held in Israeli custody. He emphasized that humanitarian standards and respect for human dignity should apply to all individuals regardless of the accusations against them.
“It must be forbidden to abuse prisoners,” the president said while discussing the importance of maintaining legal and moral standards during security operations.
His remarks were widely interpreted by political observers as criticism directed toward Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right Israeli minister known for controversial statements and hardline security positions.
The comments reportedly came shortly after Ben Gvir shared a video showing himself confronting activists detained following participation in the Global Summit Flotilla.
Reacting to Herzog’s speech, Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the president sharply in a statement posted on X.
“A president who calls hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens brutes is not fit to be president. Full stop,” Ben Gvir wrote.
The exchange has since intensified political debate within Israel, particularly regarding rising tensions in the West Bank, the conduct of settlers, and disagreements within the Israeli leadership over security and human rights issues.
Political analysts say Herzog’s remarks reflect growing concern among some Israeli leaders about escalating violence and the potential consequences for national stability and international image.
Human rights groups and international observers have repeatedly raised concerns over clashes and violence in the West Bank, urging authorities to ensure accountability and protect civilians.
Meanwhile, supporters of Ben Gvir argue that stronger security measures are necessary due to ongoing regional tensions and security threats facing Israel.
The latest disagreement between Herzog and Ben Gvir highlights increasing divisions within Israeli politics over how to balance national security, civil rights, and the rule of law during periods of conflict and unrest.
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