BICOM

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on Wednesday’s violent anti-migrants protests in south Tel Aviv and made it clear that “there is no room for the actions and expressions witnessed [in Tel Aviv]. I’m saying these things to the general population and the residents of south Tel Aviv, whose pain I understand.”

Netanyahu added: “The migrant problem must be solved and we will solve it. We will complete the construction of the fence within a few months and soon we will begin sending the migrants back to their countries of origin.”

Regarding the racist sentiments expressed during the rally, Netanyahu emphasised that his comments were directed not only at the residents of Tel Aviv, but also at public officials, including Knesset members, who participated in the rally. “We will solve the problem,” the prime minister said, “and we will do so in a responsible manner.”

President Shimon Peres also said on Thursday night that “hating foreigners is against the foundations of Judaism.” “I’m well aware of the difficulties encountered by south Tel Aviv residents and the harsh reality they have to deal with, but violence is not the solution to the problem,” he said in a statement released by his office.

Thursday evening in Jerusalem hundreds took to the streets in anti-racism rallies. Some 200 people carrying signs saying: “Racism is a cancer in the body of the Israeli nation”, “Enough to incitement” and “I am also a refugee,” marched a short distance to the PM’s residence.

In Tel Aviv, a similar number of men and women strode through the city’s streets, starting near the central bus station. The demonstrators had signs stating, “we are all refugees” and “united against racism”.