Israel Security Agency Director Nadav Argaman on Saturday called on all public leaders to act to "immediately put a stop to the violent, inciting discourse on social media."
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The statement by the head of the Shin Bet security service was an unusual one. It follows a dramatic increase in the number of online death threats made against public officials involved in the efforts to unseat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Last week, the Shin Bet, which is responsible for providing elected officials with security increased the protection afforded to Yamina leader Naftali Bennett and his No. 2, MK Ayelet Shaked, citing the growing threats against them over Yamina's decision to join Yesh Atid head Yair Lapid's coalition.
The threat assessment pertaining to their security has was upgraded to Level 5 – just one level shy of the gravest possible threat.
Threats against Lapid have also escalated. Yesh Atid's leader already has increased security over his position as opposition leader, but over the weekend, the ISA upgraded his security to that of Level 5 threats, as well.
Meretz MK Tamar Zandberg, her partner and children have also received death threats, as has Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Lieberman. Several other Yamina MKs have also been threatened.
In his statement, Argaman warned that the Israel Security Agency has been seeing a troubling escalation in online incitement.
"The State of Israel champions the principle of freedom of expression. This is an important and necessary principle in a democratic state. Nevertheless, we have been seeing a dangerous, severe escalation in violent and inciting discourse, especially on social media.
"This includes grave statements, using terms and phrases that encourage provocation, incitement and even calls for violence and inflicting physical harm," he said.
"As the head of an organization tasked with maintaining state order and security, and safeguarding the democratic rule and its institutions, I must warn that this type of discourse could be construed by some individuals or groups as endorsing violent, illegal actions, that could, heaven forbid, cost lives.
"Alongside the responsibility shouldered by the Shin Bet and other law enforcement agencies, public officials from across the political spectrum, leaders of public opinion, religious leaders, educators, and members of the public all bear the serious responsibility of denouncing this violent and discourse and demanding the incitement stops immediately.
"The responsibility to ensure the rhetoric is toned down lies with all of us," he concluded.
Blue and White leader and Defense Minister Benny Gantz echoed Argaman's statement, saying, "Public leaders have a special responsibility and it seems that we have failed to learn the necessary lessons from past events.
"Anyone who tries to deny the legitimacy of basic democratic moves and ignites the fire of incitement is also responsible. I call on everyone to refrain from any violence. It is time for all public leaders to publicly, decisively, and actively come out against violence in general and against political violence in particular."
On Sunday afternoon, Knesset Security Chief Maj. Gen. Yosef Griff ordered security for Yamina MKs Nir Orbach and Idit Silman, following threats against them over their decision not to vote against their party on the issue of joining Lapid's coalition.
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