Extremist rabbi honoured on Israeli independence day

An extremist rabbi who boasted about bulldozing Palestinian homes was selected to light a torch at an event celebrating the creation of the state of Israel on Tuesday.

- MAIRA BUTT

Avraham Zarbiv, who has been condemned by rights groups and was previously censured by Israel’s judicial watchdog for making extremist statements, was honoured at the event held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.

The Israeli military reservist, who serves as a rabbinical judge in civilian life, was introduced by hosts as a “bulldozer operator on the front lines of fire” at the ceremony, which was also attended by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rabbi Zarbiv dedicated the torch-lighting to “those who bring down the bulldozers and the pioneers who break through the enemy and dismantle the terrorist nonsense”.

The religious leader has previously drawn criticism, including a complaint to the International Criminal Court filed by the Hind Rajab Foundation in January 2025 for alleged war crimes. His selection was condemned by Israeli rights group B’Tselem and Haaretz newspaper, and the Israeli military also appeared to distance itself from the choice.