The inflammatory remarks that were broadcast on IDF Radio on Independence Day night against the Haredim who "smell like Kneidlach," with a "desire to dilute the Haredi population," received their first comment today from the commander of the military radio station, Yaron Dekel.
In a conversation that Yaron Dekel had with MK Eli Yishai, the MK asked for his response as commander to what had happened, and asked how he intended to act to prevent a recurrence of the incidents. Dekel, who is known for having a fair attitude towards the Haredim, responded that he "rejects the serious things that were said on the station," and asked to "apologize on behalf of the station and the listeners and the Haredi public." According to him, "this is an isolated incident that does not represent the spirit of the station. The person who said the things is not employed by Galtz and that this is the last time he will appear on their broadcast.".
Shas chairman MK Aryeh Deri also addressed the incitement in a statement to the media this afternoon: "Imagine if instead of the word Haredi he had said Ethiopian, Russian, Arab, the country would be in turmoil. The blood of the Haredi has become a pauper. I demand that the commander of Galei Tzahal immediately dismiss all those responsible for this broadcast.".
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Later, Deri called Yaron Dekel and asked him not to sweep the affair under the rug. "We can't pass this up as an agenda. Everyone responsible for this incitement needs to be dealt with.".
Dekel responded to Deri that he views the things that were said very seriously, and that he is in the middle of an investigation into the affair. Dekel told the Shas chairman that he was shocked by the comments, and promised that that panel member would not appear on the radio again.
