An extremist rabbi notorious for celebrating the demolition of Palestinian homes in Gaza lit a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
Avraham Zarbiv, an IDF reservist bulldozer operator and rabbinical judge, was selected by Transportation Minister Miri Regev for the honor.
The event, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, recognizes individuals for contributions to society and the state.
General Context
As reported by The Independent, Rabbi Zarbiv has posted videos showing his enjoyment in destroying buildings in Gaza, often with humor, leading to “to Zarbiv” becoming Hebrew slang for total destruction.
According to The Independent, he stated on live television, “We crushed them. There are tens of thousands dead,” and in another clip, “Gaza will have left. We will flatten and destroy you.”
The Times of Israel reports that Zarbiv claimed to have demolished “50 homes a week” in Gaza and participated in similar operations in southern Lebanon.
What Are the Reactions?
B’Tselem, an Israeli rights organization, condemned the selection, stating it risks integrating “genocide into its official national ethos” by dehumanizing Palestinians.
Haaretz published an editorial asserting, “A country that chooses to honor someone who symbolizes the flattening of Gaza is conveying to the world that it regards him and his values as worthy of respect.”
The IDF distanced itself, with a spokesperson stating, “Rabbi Zarbiv was not selected in coordination with the IDF. He is not an IDF representative at the torch-lighting ceremony.”
Supporting Details
Miri Regev described Zarbiv as epitomizing dedication “to the people of Israel, the Torah of Israel, and the land of Israel,” honoring religious community members who serve the state.
The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court accusing Zarbiv of war crimes, as reported by The Independent.
Zarbiv dedicated the torch to “the bulldozers and pioneers who penetrate the enemy and dismantle the terrorist nonsense.”
What Comes Next?
Israel rejects genocide allegations, labeling them antisemitic, amid ongoing criticism from human rights groups.
Dyab Abou Jahjah of the Hind Rajab Foundation told Al Jazeera the selection reveals alignment with “dispossession and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.”
No further official responses from Israeli authorities have been reported beyond the IDF’s statement.
Rabbi Zarbiv’s torch-lighting at the national ceremony highlights divisions over his actions in Gaza, with strong condemnations from rights organizations, media, and the IDF’s explicit distancing, while supporters view it as recognition of frontline service.
