Former Chief Rabbi Reports Threat on Attorney General’s Life and Police Arrest Suspect

 Former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef revealed today (Wednesday) that an individual approached him seeking religious approval to murder Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. The disturbing request, described as a “persecution order,” was reported immediately to authorities, leading to the arrest of a 36-year-old man from Jerusalem, who is expected to appear in court tomorrow for a hearing on extending his detention.

In a letter sent to Yehuda Avidan, Director General of the Ministry of Religious Services, Rabbi Yosef’s office wrote:

“A person arrived at the home of Maran Rishon LeZion Shlita with a letter received by the rabbi's gabbai. According to its contents, God forbid, a plan to harm the Legal Advisor to the Government is being considered.”

The letter included a photograph of the suspect and a chilling handwritten note that read:

“The rabbi [Baharav-Miara] is desecrating God’s name with her actions against the Torah world… I am ready to kill the attorney general if I receive consent from the three elders of the generation. Without consent, I will do nothing.”

Upon receiving the threat, Avidan alerted Police Commissioner Danny Levy, relaying the rabbi's urgent request for intervention by law enforcement.

“At the direction of the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Religious Services, MK Yariv Levin, I was asked to act immediately with the relevant law enforcement agencies,” Avidan stated.

The suspect was swiftly located and taken into custody, according to police. Investigators are currently working to determine whether he acted alone or was influenced by extremist circles.

Public Outcry and Accusations of Incitement

The Movement for Quality Government in Israel condemned the threat and accused senior government officials of fueling incitement.

“This murder threat is a direct result of the campaign of incitement led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Justice Minister Yariv Levin,” the movement stated.
“The blood that may be shed will be on their hands. Extremists must not be allowed to harm the country’s top legal authority. We stand firmly with Attorney General Baharav-Miara in defense of the rule of law and her personal safety.”

Background: Rising Tensions Over Judicial System

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has become a lightning rod in the heated debate over Israel’s judicial system, facing criticism from some religious and political factions for her perceived opposition to judicial reform and her role in high-profile legal decisions. The rhetoric around her has grown increasingly hostile in recent months, with opponents accusing her of working against traditional and religious values.

What’s Next

The police are expected to seek an extension of the suspect’s detention tomorrow while continuing the investigation. Authorities are also evaluating whether the incident requires increased protection for the attorney general.

This latest development adds to concerns over the security of public officials and the growing impact of political and religious extremism in Israel.