The Israel Police's Major Crimes Unit on Sunday launched an investigation into incitement against Yamina chief Naftali Bennett following reports that he plans to join Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid's government and unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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According to Channel 12 News, additional security has been assigned to protect Bennett over the online vitriol.
The police investigation was launched following social media posts that featured an image of Bennett wearing a keffiyeh – a traditional Arabian headdress – in a style reminiscent of former PLO leader Yasser Arafat, with the caption "Liar."
Similar images, bearing the same caption, were circulated in the public sphere in the weeks prior to the 1995 assassination of then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
Right-wing activists have been staging protests outside Bennett's home in central Israel for several days, decrying his intent to join a Center-Left government. Similar protests have been held outside the homes of Yamina MK Ayelet Shaked and New Hope leader Gideon Sa'ar.
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz denounced the online incitement, saying, "The State of Israel still carries the scars from the brutal price of incitement. These calls against Naftali Bennett and Ayelet Shaked – regardless of the political path they may choose – are dangerous, destructive, and anti-democratic. I call on all public leaders to denounce them. We will not allow incitement to rear its head."
Prominent Likud activist Rami Ben-Yehuda also denounced the social media posts, telling Tel Aviv-based 103FM Radio, "I find this image unacceptable. Social media is flooded [with anti-Bennett posts] because this is one of the worst political betrayals ever. There are thousands of posts against Bennett and Shaked."
Ben-Yehuda further noted that for Bennett to assume the premiership "is not a legitimate move. You have 96% of Israelis who don't want him to become prime minister. It's stealing democracy."
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