Israel Democracy Institute Responds to Resignation of Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon

IDI leaders say the process that led to Ya'alon’s resignation sends a negative message to all those committed to the values of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.

Three heads of the Israel Democracy Institute (IDI) today sent a letter to outgoing Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon expressing strong opposition to the manner in which his term as defense minister ended.

"Over the last several months, you have provided a responsible voice in the face of ugly phenomena of extremism and violence that threaten our values as a Jewish and democratic state," the letter reads. "The reality of our lives here in Israel summons up ethical dilemmas on an almost daily basis. At times such as these, it is fitting that the country's leaders set an example that presents a moral compass for society, rather than being dragged after populist voices that would harm the values that form the backbone of our liberal, democratic and moral society."

The letter continues, "We at IDI refrain from intervening in political issues – and there is no question that the appointment of ministers or their dismissal is a wholly political matter. Nonetheless, to the extent that the end of your tenure was influenced by criticism of the important opinions you have voiced over the last several months, the process of your dismissal sends an especially negative message to all those who cherish democratic values, and to all proponents of justice and morality."

IDI's letter was signed by IDI President Yohanan Plesner and Vice Presidents Prof. Yedidia Z. Stern and Prof. Mordechai Kremnitzer.