Israeli Real Estate Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf stimulated political outrage after a video emerged of him dancing and singing to an anti-Zionist, anti-enlistment tune at his nephew’s wedding event on Sunday night. The tune, popular within the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood, condemns the Israeli federal government and advises ultra-Orthodox Jews not to get in the military, a position that has actually triggered stress in between nonreligious and spiritual factions in Israel. Goldknopf, leader of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism celebration, was seen dancing with a group of wedding event visitors while singing lyrics such as “We do not think in the federal government of infidels” and “We will pass away and not get.”
The video caused extensive require Goldknopf’s resignation from both union and opposition political leaders. Opposition leader Yair Lapid required his instant termination, slamming his actions as hazardous to Israel’s unity. Reactionary Financing Minister Bezalel Smotrich likewise condemned Goldknopf’s habits, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take quick action.
In reaction, Goldknopf released a public apology, stressing that he did not concur with the tune’s message and was sorry for taking part in the dance. He later on specified, “I was obliged to close down the band right away,” and guaranteed that he would act more thoroughly in the future.
Netanyahu protected his ally, mentioning that Goldknopf had actually disavowed the tune and revealed remorse. He contacted Israelis to stand joined in the face of external opponents.
Goldknopf’s actions and declarations have actually sustained the continuous dispute over the military service exemption for ultra-Orthodox Jews, a controversial problem in Israeli politics.