Rabbi Chaim Druckman
Rabbi Chaim Druckmanצילום: אבי דישי, פלאש 90

Rabbi Chaim Druckman, one of the leading rabbis of the religious Zionist community in Israel, wondered this morning (Sunday) how expressing his opinion as expressed through the "Letter of the Rabbis" is interpreted as incitement.

"The rabbis' letter calling for 'doing everything' to prevent the Bennett-Lapid government - can only be incitement in the imagination of those who think it is incitement," Rabbi Druckman said in an interview with Kol Chai radio.

He said, "For months there were demonstrations in front of the prime minister's house - and we did not hear the Shin Bet chief say it was incitement, suddenly my letter is incitement. I did not imagine that anyone would see this as incitement."

"Everyone knows my positions," the rabbi stressed. "It is inconceivable that I say to do something that involves physical or verbal violence, it is only those who want to label me as saying such things. People have completely lost their minds. They turn white into black and black into white."

"I oppose this and I express my opinion. I think everyone is seeking the good of the people of Israel, but in my opinion what others mean for the good of the people of Israel is to the detriment of the people of Israel."

Rabbi Druckman was asked if this was not a necessary move to prevent a fifth election. "I think there was a choice, but the point is I think the government that is about to be formed will hurt religion and state, I think security matters will be hurt, if the government relies on terrorist supporters. I think it will be a bad government and since I want the good of Israel then I express my opinion. May I not express my opinion? Is expressing this incitement?"

He questioned the Sin Bet's statements that there have been threats of violence against Yamina MKs. "I do not understand, what happened? What was the urgency of issuing a statement on Shabbat? Where was the head of the Shin Bet when Jews were attacked in Lod? There he also made a preemptive warning?"