Political Extremism and Incitement in Israel 1993-1995, 2003-2005: A Study of Dangerous Expressions

Abstract

This essay discusses the issue of inciteful speech, focusing on cases that took place in Israel prior to the assassination of Prime Minister Rabin, and during the years 2003-2005 against Prime Minister Sharon. It is argued that these incitement cases required the involvement of the legal authorities, but not enough action was taken in order to prevent them or to punish the inciters. The legal authorities were mistaken in adopting a liberal, tolerant attitude towards incitement. To date, this attitude will not deter future inciters from violent speech-acts against Israeli leaders who support evacuation of settlements and dividing the land between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

Keywords: incitement, John Stuart Mill, Oslo Accords, Rabin, Sharon's Disengagement Plan, Gaza First, Pulsa Denurah, Manny Mazuz

JEL Classification: K19, K42