PM condemns journalist's attack during last night's demonstration: "Shameful attack on the left, shame and disgrace" • Ganz also joined in condemning: "Journalists should make their voices heard"

• Netanyahu condemned the attack on journalist Avishai Ben-Haim

  Photo: 

  Oren Ben Hakon

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently (Wednesday) referred to the violent attack of News 13 journalist Avishai Ben-Haim during demonstrations last night in the capital and said he condemned it and the violence in the streets. 

In a tweet posted on Twitter, Netanyahu wrote: "Yesterday's shameful attack on the left-wing demonstration on journalist Dr. Avishai Ben-Haim, together with the violence that raged there against police, deserves all condemnation. Shame and disgrace." Attached to the tweet was a video documenting the journalist's assault. 

The shameful attack yesterday on the left's demonstration on journalist Dr. Avishai Ben-Haim, together with the violence that raged there against police, deserves all condemnation. Shame and disgrace pic.twitter.com/Iell8QByjx

- Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) July 15, 2020

The replacement prime minister and the B'Tselem, Bnei Gantz, also commented on the journalist's attack and wrote: "Journalists in the State of Israel can and should make their voices heard - without threats, without dictates. I condemn the threats against News commentator 13 Avishai Ben-Haim. Freedom of the press and expression as well. " 

Journalists in the State of Israel can and should make their voices heard - without threats, without dictates. I condemn the threats against News commentator 13 Avishai Ben Haim. The right to demonstrate sanctity - so does freedom of the press and expression.

- Benny Gantz - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) July 14, 2020

Another support, which gave a slightly different interpretation to the motive behind the attack on the journalist last night, was on the part of Interior Minister and Shas chairman Aryeh Makhlouf Deri. In a tweet published by the minister, he linked his eastern origin to the violent attack, and wrote: "Avishai Ben-Haim may be a doctor at the university, a lieutenant colonel in an IDF combat unit, a respected journalist, but for people in Israeli society he remains a" junk Moroccan "only because of his origin. "We will not lower our heads in the face of such statements. Anyone who cursed you will atone for you. We are proud Moroccans!"

Avishai Ben-Haim may be a doctor at the university, a lieutenant colonel in an IDF combat unit, a respected journalist, but for people in Israeli society he remains a "junk Moroccan" just because of his background. We will no longer lower our heads in the face of such statements. Whosoever curseth thee shall make atonement for thee. We are proud Moroccans! https://t.co/nyxpRUhiDH

- Arie Makhlouf Deri (@ariyederi) July 15, 2020

Last night, during demonstrations in Jerusalem during which the protesters called on Prime Minister Netanyahu to resign, two new journalists, Avishai Ben-Haim and Yossi Eli, were violently attacked. Ben-Haim is known to have positions affiliated with the right. In this morning's interview with 103FM radio, Ben-Haim confirmed that during the demonstration Towards him racist chants referring to his ethnic origin.