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Jerusalem Patriarch Warns of Rising Extremism Amid Gaza War
(MENAFN) The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, has cautioned that extremist views are gaining momentum within segments of Israeli society in the context of the ongoing war in Gaza, according to reports.
In comments given during an interview with an Italian newspaper, he linked the post–October 7, 2023 environment and Israel’s military operations in Gaza to a broader shift in public attitudes. He argued that these developments have helped intensify rhetoric that excludes or devalues Arabs and non-Jewish communities.
“Unfortunately extremism is gaining traction in this context,” the cardinal said. “We are seeing its consequences in certain sectors of Israeli civil society. Not everyone, of course, I would say it is not the majority.”
He also described what he sees as a worsening social climate, saying, “But the culture of contempt for everything that is not theirs, not only for everything Arab but for everything that is not Jewish, is unfortunately growing,”
He further warned that this trend is becoming more visible in public discourse and broader societal narratives. “It is a diseased germ within a society, amplified by the media, and something we must work to contain before it becomes truly alarming,”
According to reports, he also tied the situation to a wider regional crisis, arguing that the escalation of violence reflects deeper political failures and a lack of meaningful dialogue.
“The gravity of the situation in the Middle East, and obviously not only there, must be addressed within the framework of international legality and without adding more victims,”
He also criticized what he sees as an increasing reliance on force over negotiation, referring to war as a “new idolatry” and suggesting that diplomatic engagement is being sidelined.
Following the events of October 7 and the subsequent conflict, he added that many now feel “dialogue counts for nothing.”
In comments given during an interview with an Italian newspaper, he linked the post–October 7, 2023 environment and Israel’s military operations in Gaza to a broader shift in public attitudes. He argued that these developments have helped intensify rhetoric that excludes or devalues Arabs and non-Jewish communities.
“Unfortunately extremism is gaining traction in this context,” the cardinal said. “We are seeing its consequences in certain sectors of Israeli civil society. Not everyone, of course, I would say it is not the majority.”
He also described what he sees as a worsening social climate, saying, “But the culture of contempt for everything that is not theirs, not only for everything Arab but for everything that is not Jewish, is unfortunately growing,”
He further warned that this trend is becoming more visible in public discourse and broader societal narratives. “It is a diseased germ within a society, amplified by the media, and something we must work to contain before it becomes truly alarming,”
According to reports, he also tied the situation to a wider regional crisis, arguing that the escalation of violence reflects deeper political failures and a lack of meaningful dialogue.
“The gravity of the situation in the Middle East, and obviously not only there, must be addressed within the framework of international legality and without adding more victims,”
He also criticized what he sees as an increasing reliance on force over negotiation, referring to war as a “new idolatry” and suggesting that diplomatic engagement is being sidelined.
Following the events of October 7 and the subsequent conflict, he added that many now feel “dialogue counts for nothing.”
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