Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has spoken out following the attack against Kiryat Gat Chief Rabbi Moshe Havlin Shlita and his rebitzen, in their home. As reported over 20 Jews dressed as affiliated with sikrikim entered their home and created a ruckus over Chabad’s recent signing of an agreement whereby Chabad talmidim will serve in the IDF. A number of attackers were apprehended and arrested. Rabbi Havlin explained at least one or two of the attackers work “litvish” clothing.

In a related matter, a few days ago, Lieberman turned to Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan regarding the problem of chareidim attacking chareidi soldiers, who the chareidim refer to as ‘chardakim’. Lieberman told his cabinet colleagues “we must send a clear message them, that Israel will not tolerate incitement or violence against soldiers and/or rabbonim”.

For the Defense Minister, the attack against Rabbi Havlin represents “crossing a red line” and he calls on authorities to come down hard on those responsible to send a clear message of deterrence to others. The senior minister explains that the rav who was attacked is working to integrate bnei yeshivos into the IDF and these types of attacks will not be tolerated. He calls for “definitive uncompromising action and harsh punishment against those responsible to bring an end to these unacceptable actions once and for all”.

Police report that three people in custody have refused to identify themselves and remain uncooperative. They were arraigned and their detention has been extended.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)