President Herzog condemns Board of Deputies ‘downright insulting’ Smotrich tweet
Israel's head of state hits out at the representative body after it told the far-right MK to 'get back on the plane' during a UK visit. Herzog said, while he doesn't support Smotrich's views, 'I respect democracy'
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has claimed a tweet posted on social media by the Board of Deputies when far-right Knesset member Bezalel Smotrich visited the UK was “downright insulting”.
Speaking at a meeting of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency on Monday, Herzog added:”I have never supported the opinions of Bezalel Smotrich but I respect democracy.”
Smotrich – who had once organised a so-called “Beast Parade” to show his opposition to the LGGT community and who once said Arabs “are citizens of Israel for now at least” – had flown to the UK earlier this month to gain backing for his campaign against religious reforms in the Knesset.
As he arrived, the Board tweeted in Hebrew:“Get back on the plane, Bezalel, and be remembered as a disgrace forever.” the board said in a tweet.
A second tweet noted his past statements against Arabs and the LGBT community, and said it rejected Smotrich’s “disgusting ideology that promotes hatred”.
But addressing the issue on Monday, Herzog said:”I want to deal with another topic, which has to do with a Member of Knesset whose name is Bezalel Smotrich.
“He leads a very well-known right-wing party, which has support in the Israeli public. I have never supported the opinions of Bezalel Smotrich but I respect democracy.”
Herzog added: “Just as Jewish communities correctly expect their leadership to be respected in Israel, similarly I would expect Israeli leaders to be treated with respect in the Diaspora.”
The Israeli President said he was a “firm believer in open, sincere communication and dialogue.”
He continued: “This approach, of constant dialogue, stems in part from my own upbringing, which stems from the British Jewish community, which has always been open and willing to converse with other Jews and other Judaisms.
“This is why I found the Board of Deputies’ recent English and Hebrew tweets concerning MK Smotrich a few weeks ago deeply inappropriate. The Hebrew version was downright insulting, and elicited great discomfort.”
Herzog insisted: “I believe in dialogue, and I urge my dear friends on the Board of Deputies to take a pause and invite Bezalel Smotrich to a conversation. Sound your pain, express your views and reservations. Protest and debate. But do so as you sit down and talk.”
During his visit to the UK Religious Zionist Party MK Smotrich was pictured at a meeting with Mizrachi UK chief executive Rabbi Andrew Shaw – and two shlichim (emissaries) from the Zionist youth movement Bnei Akiva UK.
Both Mizrachi UK and Bnei Akiva UK later released statements attempting to distance their organisations from the meeting.
Jewish News revealed he had also met with representatives of the Chabad-Lubavitch UK movement while here.
A Chabad spokesperson said:”Chabad-Lubavitch welcomes all Jews from across the spectrum, regardless of whether we share their opinions or beliefs. History has taught us sowing division among Jews only strengthens our enemies.”
Responding to Herzog’s criticism, the Board said: “The Board of Deputies of British Jews firmly supports the State of Israel and has great respect for President Herzog.
“Like Israel, Britain is a democracy, which contains many different conflicting views. However, we believe that some views are not acceptable within the Democratic process. Democracy is fragile and needs to protect itself from those who threaten its survival. We firmly believe that Betzalel Smotrich, with his comments about Arab citizens of Israel, Progressive Jews and LGBTQ people, falls into this category.
“We understand that some people did not like our strong statement, which was in response to Mr Smotrich’s visit to the UK and his request to meet with UK Jewish groups. We would note, however, that we have received a great deal of thanks for our stance from Jews in Israel as well as the UK and the wider diaspora.
“We will continue to strongly support Israel, while opposing those who approach our community to seek backing for a message of division and hatred.”
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