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)