Amichai Chikli: Yaalon's accusations of 'ethnic cleansing' caused global damage

Accusations of ethnic cleansing in Gaza made by former defense minister Moshe “Bogie” Ya’alon caused significant damage internationally, Minister Amichai Chikli said.

Chikli, Diaspora affairs and combating antisemitism minister, criticized Ya’alon’s remarks on Sunday, emphasizing their impact, sparking widespread backlash and being amplified by global media outlets.

“The reckless statements by a former defense minister have caused significant damage,” Chikli wrote on X/Twitter. “I asked my office to examine the numbers; the results are staggering.”

According to Chikli, the comments were widely reported by leading international news platforms, including Reuters, The New York Times, and CNN, reaching an average combined audience of 700 million views.

Chikli also noted a sharp rise in discussions on social media and international news platforms accusing Israel of engaging in ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

Domestic and international backlash

“This surge in rhetoric directly followed the interview where these statements were made,” he said.

The accusations were made during an interview on Democrat TV, a left-leaning Israeli news channel, two weeks ago. Ya’alon, 73, accused Israel of pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza.

“To proceed along the path we are being dragged into – conquering, annexing, and conducting ethnic cleansing,” Ya’alon said.

When the interviewer appeared shocked and asked for clarification, he responded, “Look at northern Gaza. Call it transfer or ethnic cleansing – whatever you want. That’s the direction we’re heading.”

When pressed further on whether Israel was on a path toward such policies, he stated, “[What do you mean] intentions? It’s happening.”

Ya’alon’s comments have drawn sharp criticism across the political spectrum. Chikli’s public response underscores concerns over the global ramifications of such statements, particularly as influential international media outlets amplify them.

For many, Ya’alon’s remarks are seen as damaging to the country’s reputation during a period of intense international scrutiny of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Government officials have defended these operations as essential for security, while critics have raised concerns about humanitarian impacts.