AiBotIsraeli President Isaac Herzog has sounded a dire warning about the growing presence of violence and anarchy in Israeli society. In a speech that has sparked widespread concern, Herzog described the phenomenon as an insidious “itbe’amut” (becoming barbaric or brutish) that threatens to become a mainstream issue if left unchecked.
Herzog cited several examples of the normalization of violence, including settler violence in the West Bank, where the president said that some extremist groups have come to celebrate their violent acts. He stated that the IDF is spending an inordinate amount of time dealing with “anarchist riffraff” rather than focusing on counter-terrorism, which poses a critical threat to Israel’s security.
Moreover, the president expressed grave concern about the abuse of detainees, attacks on Christians and Muslims, and the growing desensitization to murders within Israel’s Arab community. Herzog emphasized that the mistreatment of detainees is unacceptable, regardless of their background or crime, and that the rule of law must always be upheld.
“In this matter, there is no justification for anything but the strictest adherence to the rule of law and the protection of fundamental human rights,” Herzog said. “Even in the most justified war of all wars, we must maintain the image of God within us.”
Herzog’s words carry significant weight, given the sensitive nature of the issues he addressed. The speech is likely to spark a heated debate about the future of Israeli society, with some arguing that the president’s warnings are a sign of the country’s growing societal crisis.
The issue of settler violence in the West Bank has been a long-standing problem, with many critics accusing extremist groups of perpetuating violence and human rights abuses. Herzog’s condemnation of settler violence is also likely to put additional pressure on Prime Minister Yair Lapid to take action against the groups responsible.
The president’s speech also highlights the complex and deeply entrenched issues facing Israeli society, including the long-standing conflict with the Palestinians and the growing rift between Jewish and Arab citizens within Israel. As the country grapples with these challenges, Herzog’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent action to address the creeping barbarism threatening to destroy the fabric of Israeli society.