Security establishment officials view Meir Ettinger as a threat to peace, justifying his administrative arrest. Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon signed approving his arrest under a new Security Cabinet decision to use administrative detention against Jewish terrorists. The decision follows the stabbing attack at the Jerusalem Toeiva Parade perpetrated by a person who outwardly appears to be a frum Jew, leaving one dead and five wounded, as well as the arson attack in the PA (Palestinian Authority) village of Duma, which led to the death of an Arab infant as well as leaving his dad and 4-year-old brother badly burned. It is added that the investigation into that alleged price tag attack is continuing, and while police believe it was committed by Jews, Israel Police has not ruled out the possibility that the attack was carried out by Arabs, part of an ongoing feud between families in the village.

Regarding Ettinger, a grandson of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane HY”D, the 23-year-old was already served with administrative orders that prevent him from entering Yehuda, Shomron and Yerushalayim, resulting in his moving to Tzfas. It is now alleged that he is the leader if not a major personality involved in overthrowing the government as part of a plan to establish halachic rule in Israel.

During his lifetime, one of the ideas put forward by Rabbi Kahane was the establishment of the State of Judea in areas of Yehuda and Shomron, a breaking from the State of Israel for those wishing to live in Eretz Yisrael in accordance with halacha.

ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) officials’ report Ettinger is constantly under observation and now the green light has been given for his administrative detention. This means that while there is no proof of law-breaking activity, hence he cannot be charged with a crime, he is nonetheless imprisoned in a preventative act as security officials fear that Ettinger and his followers are working to bring about a state of anarchy.

It is added that this is not the first time administrative detention was used against Jews. In fact, the first to use it since the establishment of the State of Israel was former Prime Minister Menachem Begin Z”L, who locked up a number of people including Rabbi Meir Kahane and Baruch Ben-Yosef. Since then, others have also been detained administratively, including Baruch Marzel, and others.

Ettinger’s call of “מי לה’ אליי” appeared on the Ynet website, explaining how he and his followers hope to realize their dream. According to the ISA, Ettinger and his group planned major attacks against Arabs, which they realize would lead to widespread violence and anarchy. They hope to use that situation to overthrow the government.

In the Ynet piece he explains that the solution is the overthrow of the government towards realizing the dream of living in Eretz Yisrael in adherence to halacha and towards the building of the Third Beis Hamikdash. When asked if he might think his idea is ridiculous, Ettinger is quoted saying “Absolutely not. The concept behind the rebellion is quite simple actually. The State of Israel has numerous vulnerabilities, issues that tiptoe around to prevent stirring up trouble. We will do just that, turn on the trouble and ignite those explosive barrels. All of the contradictions between Judaism and democracy, between the Jewish and secular character of the state, without fear of consequences, undermining the ability of the government”.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)