Pro-rape Israeli rabbi gets top military post nomination
The Israeli army has nominated a new chief rabbi accused of implying that soldiers can rape women during war to boost morale.
Among Rabbi Colonel Eyal Karim’s other colorful suggestions are the execution of those wounded in clashes with Israeli soldiers, and that women are sentimental and should not be part of the military force.
Responding to a 2002 question pertaining to the rape of enemy women, Karim (seen below) said, “War removes some of the prohibitions on sexual relations, and even though fraternizing with a gentile woman is a very serious matter, it was permitted during wartime.”
After about 10 years of outrage over his remarks, in 2012, Karim announced that rape is prohibited in every instance.
Opposition lawmakers and women’s rights groups have called for the rescinding of his Tuesday's nomination.
"Even if he was dealing with a theoretical debate about rape during battle or [if he] opposes female service or song in the military, no, he cannot be the military rabbi," Opposition lawmaker Tzipi Livni was quoted by The Independent as saying on Wednesday.
Zahava Galon, the head of the left-wing Meretz party, also called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intervene in the rabbi's appointment for the post in an army in which thousands of women are enlisted.
Not only has the Israeli military given no indication of reconsidering Karim’s nomination for the post, it has also issued a statement defending his remarks.
"Rabbi Karim has never written, said or even thought that an Israeli soldier is permitted to sexually assault a woman in war, and anyone who interprets his words otherwise is completely mistaken," read the statement.
Karim’s official appointment still requires the approval of the Israeli minister of military affairs, Avigdor Lieberman.
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