Politicians speak out on Jerusalem clashes: advocating protest, condemning violence

The political sphere continues to weigh in on the clashes that occurred near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem the previous day.

Benny Gantz, head of Machane Mamlachti, stated, "We can't condone violence from any side. We can't ignore the disregard for police orders and breaking through barriers, as happened in Jerusalem. While protesting is valid and the pain is understandable, it's crucial to abide by the law and established rules."

Similarly, Hili Tropper, a minister from Machane Mamlachti, expressed concern, saying, "Violent protests could harm Israel. While disagreement and protest are natural, fewer Israelis support actions that fuel division and hatred. Responding to hatred with more hatred is a misguided approach. While there are valid reasons for frustration, we must avoid reverting to the divisive rhetoric of the past."

Former Knesset member Yair Golan criticized Tropper's remarks sharply, stating, "Tropper is out of touch with reality. We need to bring him back to Earth. The government poses a threat to national security, and Tropper, as part of this government, is complicit. We're in a deadlock, with no exit strategy or clear goals, and Tropper is contributing to this."

Outside the political arena, criticism of the violent actions of the demonstrators in Jerusalem persists. Representatives of the high-tech protest headquarters emphasized that while every Israeli has the right to protest, violence undermines the just goals of the movement.

Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet General Security Service, also expressed concern about violent protests, stating, "There's a clear line between legitimate and illegal, violent protest. We're seeing public discourse reach alarming levels that we should never tolerate."