The U.S. State Department issued a strong condemnation of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir following the publication of photos showing him visiting the kever of Rabbi Meir Kahane HY’D, a figure regarded as an extremist by the US.
Kahane’s ideology and actions have been associated with terrorism, and his Kach party was outlawed in Israel and designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.
In a statement, a State Department spokesperson said, “As we’ve said on previous and similar occasions, celebrating the legacy of a terrorist and a terrorist organization is abhorrent. We strongly condemn any attempt to whitewash acts of terrorism.”
The statement underscores ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Israel over the composition of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, in which Ben Gvir serves as a controversial figure. The minister, leader of the ultranationalist Otzma Yehudit party, has faced criticism domestically and internationally for his hardline views and actions.
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4 Responses
Ben Gvir has an absolute right to visit the Kever of Rabbit Kahane, and the U.S. Govt. has no legitimate business or interest in opposing it. Further, Kahane was definitely not a terrorist but was an outstanding advocate of Jewish Nationalism and development of Judea and Samaria.
Baruch Hashem that in two months the embarrassing current U.S. Administration will cease and a more virtuous Administration will take its place.
What terror did Mr. Kahane commit? None, zero, zilch. Kahane was an extremist. But he never ever committed terror.
Biden and the Democrats only know how to make everything unjustifiably equivalent. They need a so-called Jewish “terrorist” in order to downplay Islamic terrorism.
Not at all the business of the hostile U.S. State Department.
Social media is the source of much evil. You don’t have to and you shouldn’t share everything you do!! If Ben Gvir felt that he wanted to pay his respects, it should have been done quietly and privately. And this message of privacy and discretion applies to everyone. Tznius means privacy and not living your life on a stage where your conduct elicits jealousy, criticism or anger.