MK Yinon Azoulay Condemns Violence and Defends Shas Position Ahead of Elections
MK Yinon Azoulay (Shas) condemned violence during a minor's arrest and addressed conscription debates, emphasizing Shas's role in representing both IDF soldiers and Torah scholars ahead of the upcoming elections.
MK Yinon Azoulay (Shas) addressed the recent violence surrounding the arrest of a minor by police, emphasizing his opposition to violence from any side, including against law enforcement and soldiers.
Condemning Violence and Police Restraint
Speaking in an interview on 103FM, Azoulay stated, "I am against all violence. I too have experienced violence from the Peleg at my home. There is no violence, and there must not be any violence—neither against police officers nor against soldiers." He also noted that law enforcement officers must exercise restraint during volatile situations.
The Conscription Law and Public Discourse
Azoulay connected the tensions to the broader legislative debate, noting that the coalition had hoped to pass an equitable conscription law to avoid such friction. Addressing controversial remarks attributed to Rabbi Landau regarding IDF soldiers, Azoulay accused critics of recycling old statements to inflame tensions.
"I am not a spokesperson for Rabbi Landau nor for anyone else. I am a representative of the Shas movement, representing both those who serve in the army and those who study Torah."
Political Outlook for Shas
Looking ahead to the upcoming Knesset elections, Azoulay expressed confidence despite current poll numbers projecting seven to eight mandates for Shas. "It is good to be concerned; blessed is the man who is always fearful," Azoulay remarked, adding that the party would perform better at the ballot box as voters consider the broader preservation of Jewish heritage and tradition.
