After last night's events, in which Binyamin Brigade Commander Eliav Elbaz was expelled from comforting the mourners of one of the victims of the attack on Ali, Harel Massoud, Minister Orit Struk apologized again Tuesday morning for her remarks against the security forces. "This criticism should have been heard, but it should not have been said in a way that creates, or legitimizes, face-laundering or brotherly hatred."
Elimination of the second terrorist from the attack near Ali
The minister went on to apologize if her remarks fueled such an incident that occurred in comforting the mourners: "The thought that, God forbid, my statement towards the heads of our security apparatus created a lack of legitimacy for this face laundering and these harsh accusations. Face laundering is forbidden against anyone, certainly an IDF officer, both from the personal aspect – because of his dedication and personal sacrifice for our security, and from the public aspect – as someone who represents the Israel Defense Forces, the army that we won as part of the miracle of Israel's rebirth.
Criticism, even the most legitimate, must not spill over into brotherly hatred. Disagreements, even the most polarized, must not tear apart our unity.
Brigade Commander Benjamin Colonel Eliav Elbaz (archive), photo: IDF Spokesperson
"I examine again and again my criticism of the heads of our security apparatuses, and I agonize over the thought that they may well have been misunderstood as I wanted to say them. I sought to criticize their decision to speak out without the approval of the political echelon, a very inappropriate and even harmful statement, a statement that painted an unbalanced and even distorted picture of the situation. This criticism should have been heard, but it should not have been said in a way that creates, or legitimizes, face whitening or brotherly hatred."
The scene of the attack at the gas station near Ali, Photo: AFP
She added: "I would like to make it clear from here to the commanders of the IDF and all the security forces: We love and appreciate you, cherish you and salute you. It is our right, as well as our duty, to disagree and even criticize your erroneous decisions or misjudgment, especially when these decisions create, in our understanding, damage and cost a heavy price. It is important for all of us to remember: this legitimate criticism (yes, yes, it is legitimate and necessary) in no way does it mean harm to you or your dignity, and we (including myself personally) must make sure that this is not how things are understood.
"It's for us and for our safety."
"In these difficult times, of a wave of terror that harms and kills us on the one hand, and of polarization among the people on the other, it is our duty to increase love and mutual respect, and to strengthen the unity between us. Having written all this, I will note that I do not intend to let go of the effort to change the perception of security in Judea and Samaria, because this is in our psyche. We must not continue to act against terrorism with the same 'lawnmower' that worked for many years. We are facing a jungle of terror, and we must dramatically change our tools and objectives before paying another enormous price in blood.
It's not against you. It's for us, and for our security."
Minister Orit Strzok spoke out strongly against the heads of the security forces for condemning the settlers' riots that took place last week, and compared the condemnations to the Wagner Group's internal revolt in Russia. "The chief of staff, the police commissioner and the head of the Shin Bet issued a joint statement on Jewish nationalist terrorism. Who are you, Wagner Force?" said Strzok in an interview with Voice of the Level radio. "Who are you to make such an announcement under the government's nose? Will they preach morality to us?! I am against these events, but it is a shame and a disgrace to call it nationalist terrorism."
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