Yediot Achronot correspondent Akiva Novik recorded a conversation with Meir Baranes, who was informed the conversation was recorded and consented. He told Novik that in 45 days, on 19 Kislev, the Chag HaGeula for Chabadnikim, he or a messenger of his would murder Rav Ovadia Yosef Shlita. Baranes is currently incarcerated in a psychiatric institution pending evaluation. Kikar Shabbat reports that Novik is “quite concerned” since Baranes appears most serious regarding his threat and he for one does not think his words should be taken lightly or discarded. Novik stresses that he for one does not think authorities should take this threat lightly just because Novik is under lock at key at the moment. In the late 1990s Baranes attacked Tzfat Chief Rabbi Levy Bistrizky z”l, and then April 2000, he ran the rav over with his car, traveling at high speed. For reasons few understand, he has never been held accountable for his actions because of his diminished mental capacity. In 2005, police launched an investigation against Baranes after he threatened the life of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. It appears that his mental state prevents the system from regarding Baranes as a murderer, and he is now threatening once again. He has been known as a deranged individual for a long time, yet the system does not address him accordingly. In his conversation with Novik, he points to Parshas Noach, when the dove was released from the ark, stating on 19 Kislev he will release the dove from the “evil Rabbi Yosef” and begin the process of the redemption for Am Yisrael. Novik: Please, tell me in plain words for someone like me, a secularist, what you plan to do to Rav Yosef in 45 days. Baranes: What do you want to here? Do I plan to murder him, yes, indeed. Novik: Why? Baranes: First of all, because he has spoken out many times against the Rebbi from Lubavitch on the internet and elsewhere. Therefore, as a talmid of the Rebbe, I am compelled to act towards preserving his honor. Novik: How will you do this since you are incarcerated? Baranes: Don’t worry, I have many friends from my paratrooper days who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the Rebbe, for his honor, and if I cannot do it personally, someone will – there are many there who would do this, and if not, Hashem has his ways. Not to worry. NOTE: Rabbanei Chabad Shlita have disassociated themselves with Baranes over a decade ago, proclaiming him to be the deranged individual he appears to be. Kikar Shabbat reports that aides to Maran Rav Ovadia Shlita are not commenting on the story. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Earlier this month, YWN-ISRAEL reported that Yediot Achronot correspondent Akiva Novik interviewed Meir Baranes, who threatened to murder Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita on 19 Kislev. Yediot has released additional information based on additional conversations with Barnes, indicating he came to the Kosel this past Tisha B’Av, planning to murder the gadol hador at the holy site. Yediot (Y): The reports are circulating via the internet that you plan to murder Rav Ovadia Yosef. Baranes (B): What else is mentioned? Anything about Bibi (PM Netanyahu)? Anyway, I was in court today and they decided I am fit to stand trial. I have another statement to make regarding my plans to kill Rabbi Ovadia. I have another hearing on December 12th. Y: How are you going to kill him while you are locked up? B: Listen, I was by the Gilad Shalit tent, showing them a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe to Gilad. You remember I showed you the letter. I gave them the letter and from there traveled to the Kosel. I waited for Rav Ovadia to arrive, and I planned to kill him. I am telling you this. I haven’t shared this with anyone. I wanted to get him and used my tefillin. They check for sharp objects but I was going to place it inside the tefillin, you understand. That is what I did with Arabs. I was going to slit his throat. Y: Why didn’t you do it? B: Because he did not come. I waited. Conversation continues for another six minutes… Shas officials are not taking threats by Baranes or anyone else ligtly and security around Rav Ovadia has recently been stepped up, including a metal detector in the entrance of the rav’s apartment building in the Har Nof area of Yerushalayim. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

While security around the home of Maran HaGaon HaRav Ovadia Yosef Shlita is always heavy, when there is a feeling that more needs to be done, those around the Gadol HaDor responsible for his security don’t take chances as threats are not taken lightly. As such, security for the Rav has been stepped-up in and around his home, including a metal detector at the entrance to his Har Nof apartment building. Apparently this is in response to threats against the Rav’s life. It is unclear just how this will impact the lives of residents of the building as they return home. The ministers have also decided to return to a former practice, that all party cabinet ministers daven with the rav, which results in increased security since ministers are accompanied by bodyguards. It appears that following the assassination of Baba Elazar zt”l in July, officials are not taking any threat lightly. According to a Kikar Shabbat report, MK Nissim Ze’ev stated that following the recent threat against the Rav by Meir Baranes, that he plans to murder Rav Ovadia on 19 Kislev, the decision was made to take additional steps to protect the rav. Rav Ovadia is indeed a ‘high profile’ Gadol, one whose name and photograph appears in the news on an almost daily basis, one who is visited regularly by state and military leaders, a rav who influences state policy – adding to the concerns for his safety. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)

Deputy Premier and Shas leader Eli Yishai sent a letter to Minister of Public Security Yitzchak Aharonovich expressing his concerns regarding threats against rabbonim. In his letter dated 16 Cheshvan; the senior minister makes reference to the threat made by Meir Baranes stating he is going to murder Rav Ovadia Yosef Shlita in 45 days towards expediting the redemption. Yishai points out that despite Baranes’ mental state, known as being ‘unstable’, one should not take his threats or those like him lightly. In this case, we are aware that he has struck out in the past, against the chief rabbi of Tzfat. Yishai points out that as the person responsible for law and order, he feels Israel Police, and perhaps the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet), should establish a team that works to prevent occurrences before they happen, such as in this case. The minister adds that we mustn’t spare resources towards eliminating these threats against public officials. (YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)