The Israeli president has lambasted the British Board of Deputies for their condemnation of MK Bezalel Smotrich, branding the organisation's statements divisive and inappropriate.
Speaking at a meeting of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Mr. Herzog said that he didn't agree with Smotrich, but affirmed that he "believed in democracy."
President Herzog told the meeting: "I found the Board of Deputies’ recent English and Hebrew tweets concerning MK Smotrich a few weeks ago deeply inappropriate. The Hebrew version was downright insulting, and elicited great discomfort.
"I’m certain the message was retweeted and applauded. But now—what have we gained? The gap has grown.
"Just as Jewish communities correctly expect their leadership to be respected in Israel, similarly I would expect Israeli leaders to be treated with respect in the Diaspora."
I call upon everyone from this house, the house of the Jewish People and the house of the Israeli people, which encompasses all facets of Israeli society, to come together and talk together and respect each other and love thy neighbor as thyself."
He added: "I believe in dialogue, and I urge my dear friends on the Board of Deputies to take a pause and invite Bezalel Smotrich to a conversation. Sound your pain, express your views and reservations. Protest and debate. But do so as you sit down and talk. We cannot allow ourselves another rift in the Jewish People.
"And I say so because I am working with my team on the Kotel issue, which I believe must be dealt with quietly, not vociferously, which does not help—it only lights more and more flares of hatred, which we do not need."
In a series of tweets last month, the Board of Deputies said: “We reject his abominable views and the hateful ideology of Bezalel Smotrich and call on all members of the British Jewish community to show him the door.”
“Get back on the plane Bezalel and be remembered as a disgrace forever."
In a statement, the Board of Deputies said: “The Board of Deputies of British Jews firmly supports the State of Israel and has great respect for President Herzog.
“Like Israel, Britain is a democracy, which contains many different conflicting views. However, we believe that some views are not acceptable within the Democratic process. Democracy is fragile and needs to protect itself from those who threaten its survival. We firmly believe that Betzalel Smotrich, with his comments about Arab citizens of Israel, Progressive Jews and LGBTQ people, falls into this category.
“We understand that some people did not like our strong statement, which was in response to Mr Smotrich’s visit to the UK and his request to meet with UK Jewish groups. We would note, however, that we have received a great deal of thanks for our stance from Jews in Israel as well as the UK and the wider diaspora.
“We will continue to strongly support Israel, while opposing those who approach our community to seek backing for a message of division and hatred.”
