In a radio interview Tzfas Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu Shlita explains “They turned the victim into the assailant” in his comments pertaining to a Yediot Achronot banner headline. The newspaper dedicates its front page on Wednesday, 7 Iyar 5774 to a report that residents of Yitzhar used the community’s internal email forum to debate if one is permitted to kill an IDF soldier or not.

Rav Eliyahu explained “This is the same type of incitement that we heard prior to the Gush Katif expulsion. Yesterday thousands of Arabs marched at Golani Junction carrying PLO flags and Yitzhar makes front page news”.

Kol Berama:

I hear what you are saying but they are still speaking about if one may murder a soldier. Is this something we should permit to pass, despite the Arab parade?

Rav Eliyahu:

Correct, someone did say it. Yes, and they are now talking about it but to date has anyone pointed a gun and fired at a soldier, ever? After all we are living here for decades and this has never occurred.

Kol Berama:

I understand and agree the media’s coverage is not based on love for Yitzhar but nevertheless the topic is somewhat worrisome. They are beginning to cross red lines.

Rav Eliyahu:

Residents of Yitzhar got into the discussion following the arrest of a female. After everything terrible that has been done to them does ones believe now they will pick up a gun and fire at a soldier? It will not happen.

So a girl said something and now they are trying to make the settlers outcasts.

A girl that took part in the electronic debate is quoted in Yediot writing “I favor throwing rocks (on Jews. Regarding Arabs there is not even a question)” adding “in certain situations – even if the rock will lead to the death of an IDF soldier”.

A 28-year-old woman was arrested during the night police confirm and will be brought for a remand hearing to prevent her release.

The rav later in the interview stated the fact that a woman makes a statement as reported above does not bother him at all. He explains that he has met with the residents and reality is that the yishuv opposes violence, even at the level of the graffiti attacks. Rav Eliyahu explains there are a handful of extremists in the community and the entire community is depicted as fanatics. Rav Eliyahu added a handful of chareidim spit at women and the entire community is portrayed in a disparaging light as we have seen.

Yediot adds in the report that an internal vote was held in Yitzhar last week. Of the 350 eligible voters 200 voted and 97% of the community expressed adamant opposition to any attack against IDF soldiers and property.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)