On Wednesday in Jerusalem, an unusual envelope was placed at the doorstep of former Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. Inside, a chilling message was found: a request to approve a “Din Rodef,” a religious ruling that would allow the killing of Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara. Written in shaky handwriting, it marked a dangerous escalation – not merely political defiance, but an attempt to involve religious law in a call for murder
A Direct Threat Against the Attorney General
In response to the letter, Rabbi Yosef’s office rushed to forward the information to the Ministry of Religious Services. The message reached Director-General Yehuda Avitan, who personally contacted Police Commissioner Dani Levi. In his conversation, Avitan stressed on behalf of the rabbi: “The Chief Rabbi urgently requests immediate and swift action,” warning that Baharav-Miara’s life was in real danger. At the same time, under instructions from Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the information was also passed to security authorities for immediate handling
Suspect Arrested in Jerusalem After Death Threat
Meanwhile, the Jerusalem District Police launched an intensive investigation. Detectives from the Lev HaBira station quickly acted, and last night the suspect – a 36-year-old resident of Jerusalem – was located at his home in the south of the city. He was arrested for questioning and will be brought before the court for a remand hearing. Police emphasized that any threat or attempt to harm public officials will be met with firm measures and full prosecution
Baharav-Miara, Nearly 66, as a Symbol of Conflict
Beyond the criminal case, the figure at the center of the storm looms large. Gali Baharav-Miara, nearly 66, has in recent years become a primary target of extremist factions in Israel. For many, she is not only the Attorney General – but also a symbol of what they view as a clash between the world of Torah and the political system. As a result, nearly every step she takes becomes a trigger for escalation, with waves of incitement spilling into direct threats of violence
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Extremist Factions in Jerusalem Fuel the Flames
From here the path leads back to the city itself. Jerusalem, with its unique mix of religious and political tensions, has become fertile ground for extremist factions seeking to ignite discourse. In this environment, where faith collides with law and politics, Baharav-Miara has become a lightning rod – to the point where a single letter can spark a national crisis. The fusion of religious language and violent threats once again places Jerusalem at the heart of Israel’s deepest divisions
