31.08.2026 15:02
Israeli rabbi Menachem Ben Shahar argued that Palestinians in the occupied West Bank who do not accept Jewish sovereignty should leave the region. Ben Shahar drew criticism by saying that even a 5-year-old child, whose parents he described as "enemies," has "no right to live."
Statements made by Israeli rabbi Menachem Ben Shahar against Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank have sparked outrage. While arguing that Palestinians who do not accept Jewish sovereignty should leave the region, Ben Shahar also made remarks targeting children.
In footage aired by Al Jazeera, Ben Shahar, speaking to a group, claimed that non-Jews have no national rights in the area he described as the "land of Israel."
"THOSE WHO DO NOT ACCEPT JEWISH SOVEREIGNTY SHOULD LEAVE"
Targeting the Palestinian presence in the occupied West Bank, Ben Shahar argued that Arabs should leave the region if they do not accept Jewish sovereignty.
The Israeli rabbi said, "Those who do not accept Jewish sovereignty should leave the region."
HE EVEN TARGETED A 5-YEAR-OLD CHILD
Ben Shahar's harshest remarks were directed at children. According to Al Jazeera English, the Israeli rabbi said that even a 5-year-old child whose parents are considered "enemies" has "no right to live."
Ben Shahar's remarks, which also included children, became the most striking part of his statements.
HE HAD PREVIOUSLY SAID "HUVVARA SHOULD BE DESTROYED"
Menachem Ben Shahar's harsh rhetoric against Palestinians has come to the fore before. According to reports in the Israeli press, Israeli police detained and questioned Ben Shahar in October 2025 on suspicion of spreading extremist messages and inciting violence against Palestinians.
Ben Shahar had previously called for the "destruction" of the Palestinian town of Huwara in the occupied West Bank.
ISRAEL'S SETTLEMENTS VIOLATE INTERNATIONAL LAW
Israel's settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law.
The International Court of Justice, in its advisory opinion published in July 2024, stated that Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is unlawful. The Court expressed the view that Israel must end its presence in these territories "as soon as possible."