Political Extremism and Incitement in Israel 1993–1995, 2003–2005: A Study of Dangerous Expressions

What is it about?

This essay discusses the issue of inciteful speech, focusing on cases that took place in Israel prior to the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin, and during the years 2003-2005 against Prime Minister Sharon. It is argued that these incitement cases required the involvement of the legal authorities, but not enough action was taken in order to prevent them or to punish the inciters. The legal authorities were mistaken in adopting a liberal, tolerant attitude towards incitement. To date, this attitude will not deter future inciters from violent speech-acts against Israeli leaders who support evacuation of settlements and dividing the land between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

On November 4, 1995 Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in the “Kings of Israel” Square in Tel Aviv. This occurred at the conclusion of a large rally for peace and against violence. Following the assassination, questions were raised regarding the responsibility of the government and the media in creating an atmosphere, which might have been conducive for promoting extremism and violence. People pondered whether they had a part in the creation of the violent atmosphere that fed murderous thoughts. Voices were heard saying that there was “excessive freedom” in Israel - too much freedom of expression, too much freedom for the media. In June 2003 Sharon delivered a pragmatic speech concerning the need to evacuate settlements (the so-called "Gaza First Plan"). In April 2004, the Disengagement Plan was publicized. Until the plan was carried out in August 2005 we witnessed once again an incitement campaign against a prime minister. Yet again voices were heard justifying political assassination.

Perspectives