Yair Golan Accuses Netanyahu of Reviving Incitement from the Past
Allegations of Violence at Support Event
Yair Golan, the leader of the Democratic Party, accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to recreate the incitement surrounding the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin to maintain his grip on power. Golan made these remarks after a recent rally in Savion aimed at garnering support for his party, which nearly descended into chaos. The claims follow allegations that Netanyahu’s “poison machine” incited violence by sending thugs to disrupt the event, resulting in assaults on polstart and security staff, as well as vandalism.
Golan’s Strong Condemnation
During his speech, Golan asserted, “Netanyahu rose to power on a foundation of incitement. We are here to ensure that he is removed from leadership permanently.” He emphasized that the current political climate echoes dark times in Israeli history and vowed that “this time they will not win-this is a promise.” Golan condemned the actions of those disrupting the event, stating, “The incitement starts from the top. The ‘poison machine’ cannot defeat us. We will continue to reach out to every citizen of Israel, as the public seeks change and deserves sanity.”
In a direct address to Netanyahu, Golan warned, “The blood that will be spilled is on your hands. You cannot say you didn’t hear or that you were not involved.”
Netanyahu Responds to Golan’s Accusations
In response, Netanyahu visited the Likud stronghold at the Zaveh Fortress in Tel Aviv shortly after his first cross-examination in his ongoing trial. He expressed solidarity with the dedicated staff who faced aggression from a hostile crowd. “I wanted to identify with our brave workers who stood against a violent, hate-fueled mob,” Netanyahu stated, referring to protests that took place at the location the previous week, which lasted nearly four hours and involved the polstart arresting 62 demonstrators.
Netanyahu emphasized, “My people do not act like that. They truly believe in the rule of law and seek unity, while facing hostility in return.”
Context of Recent Protests
The tensions surrounding political protests have escalated in recent weeks with accusations flying between parties. The Prime Minister highlighted the incidents from the previous protests, claiming that a staff member was physically assaulted, noting the irony of individuals advocating for law and order while engaging in violence.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, both Golan and Netanyahu showcase the deep divisions within Israeli society, each framing the narrative to rally their respective bases in an increasingly polarized environment