Story perspectives

Herzog Blames Ben Gvir’s Prison Policies for Settler Attacks

5/25/2026

Center

Herzog Blames

President Isaac Herzog said West Bank settler attacks stem from mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, directly targeting Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
The speech was delivered at a Jerusalem Unity Prize ceremony in Israel on May 24.
Ben Gvir’s harsh prison policies drew criticism after a video showed him tormenting activists.
The remarks were made during the Jerusalem Unity Prize ceremony, which honors community initiatives.

Right

Herzog Condemns Violence

President Isaac Herzog condemned extremist violence and urged red-line limits, prompting protests from Otzma Yehudit members.
The Jerusalem Unity Prize ceremony awarded honors to organizations and presented certificates to Rabbi Yonatan Reiss and Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif.
Otzma Yehudit MK Yitzhak Kroizer called Herzog’s ‘brutes’ label a red-line violation.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Herzog insulted hundreds of thousands, praised ending terrorist camps.

History

Historical Context

Yitzhak Rabin, Israel’s first native-born prime minister, was assassinated on 4 November 1995 after a rally supporting the Oslo Accords, a shock that hardened security policy and barred presidential pardons for his killer. Today President Isaac Herzog’s condemnation of settler attacks echoes Rabin’s appeal for peace and underscores the enduring tension between peace initiatives and right-wing militancy.

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Herzog Blames

President Isaac Herzog said West Bank settler attacks stem from mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners, directly targeting Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
The speech was delivered at a Jerusalem Unity Prize ceremony in Israel on May 24.
Ben Gvir’s harsh prison policies drew criticism after a video showed him tormenting activists.
The remarks were made during the Jerusalem Unity Prize ceremony, which honors community initiatives.

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