Right-Wing Podcaster Admits Meeting Professor Accused of Plotting Terror Attacks

Right-wing activist and podcast host Tamir Dortal admitted to meeting with a mathematics professor accused of plotting attacks against hundreds of Arabs, failing to report the meeting to the police. Dortal stated he initially viewed the encounter as a theoretical and absurd proposal from an elderly man, noting it was a lapse in judgment not to contact law enforcement immediately.

The Encounter and Reaction

Dortal hosts the political podcast "Al HaMashmaut" and recently sparked outrage for suggesting that even if IDF soldiers were to die in a violent clash with Jewish settlers, it would be "good." Regarding the professor, Dortal explained that he quickly realized the dangerous nature of the plan, firmly rejected it, and demanded the individual leave his office. He questioned the suspect about weapons and warned him that he would report the matter to the head of the Shin Bet.

"I regret not contacting the police at that moment. It was a lapse in judgment. I estimated he was just speaking theoretically and posed no real danger," Dortal stated, adding that he fully cooperated with authorities following the professor's arrest.

Controversial Podcast Statements

The activist previously drew severe criticism during a podcast debate regarding a hypothetical forced evacuation of settlers from the West Bank. During the discussion, Dortal argued that preventing such an evacuation—even at the cost of IDF soldiers' lives—would ultimately preserve the Land of Israel and therefore be considered positive. Dortal has previously hosted prominent political figures on his show, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Knesset Constitution Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman.