President Reuven Rivlin expressed deep sorrow over the death of Rabbi Avichai Rontzki, calling him "a clear combination of Safra and Saifah, [that is to say] a scholar and warrior, a rabbi and a commander who marched and stormed [the enemy at] ahead of his soldiers and subordinates. His impressive stately conduct accompanied his work throughout the years, in all his roles, out of respect for the State of Israel, deep faith and commitment to the Jewish people."
Expressing condolences to Rabbi Rontzki's family, students and the Samarian community of Itamar, Rivlin noted, "I remember especially his nobility and sensitivity as the rabbi of the community of Itamar in the difficult and terrible moments that the community experienced."