Title: Former Director General of PM’s Office Criticizes Ari Shamai’s Remarks on Yigal Amir’s Release
Subtitle: Shimon Shaves laments the applause and reactions to Ari Shamai’s call for Yigal Amir’s release, condemns government’s inaction
Publication Date: [Date]
In a recent episode of Channel 14, Ari Shamai sparked controversy by advocating for the release of Yigal Amir, the man convicted of assassinating former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The storm of Shamai’s words has continued to reverberate, with Shimon Shaves, former Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office during Rabin’s tenure, condemning the advocate’s stance.
During the program, Shaves expressed his lack of surprise at Shamai’s call for Amir’s release, commenting on his knowledge of Shamai’s rhetoric. However, what truly shocked Shaves were the reactions and applause the controversial statement received in the studio.
Shaves stressed the need to view the situation in a broader context, stating, “When you turn it into a political event, it changes the rules. It’s been 28 years since the murder, and all these years we’ve been busy with quite a few statements.” He highlighted the complexity of the current political and social reality in Israel, urging caution in accepting such radical opinions.
The former director general went on to criticize the government, expressing his disbelief that individuals with alleged connections to the murder were holding positions of power. Shaves called attention to the need for accountability and raised concerns about the investigations surrounding those involved in the assassination. He expressed his disappointment in the country’s political landscape, asserting that he could no longer bear to watch certain figures on television.
“Do you know what it’s like to see these people in the government? In the government of Israel? I can’t see these people at all,” Shaves said, clearly frustrated. He emphasized the urgent necessity to remember the dark chapter in Israeli history, where many members of religious law established persecutory measures and politicians engaged in incitement leading up to Rabin’s assassination.
The controversial remarks made by Ari Shamai have divided public opinion, with some arguing for freedom of speech, while others criticize his insensitivity and call for accountability. However, Shimon Shaves’ strong rebuke adds weight to the argument against endorsing statements that could sow further division and unrest in society.
As discussions surrounding Yigal Amir’s release continue to stir emotions, it remains to be seen how the government and the public will respond to the calls for justice and the preservation of the memory of Yitzhak Rabin’s tragic assassination.