Netanyahu: Violence against women is terrorism

“I see violence against women as terrorism in every respect,” Israel’s prime minister said, Wednesday.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would like to give a “punch in the face” to those who commit violence against women, in a special Wednesday meeting called to discuss the matter after nationwide protests.

“I see violence against women as terrorism in every respect,” the prime minister said.

Netanyahu called for fast-tracking legislation that would require suspects in violence against women to wear a GPS electronic bracelet so their whereabouts could be monitored.

The proposed law was drafted by Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked and Minister of Public Security Gilad Erdan.

“It’s not the women who are hurt by violence who should hide, but the criminals who need to be pushed away,” Justice Minister Shaked said. “That’s the purpose of this law that we’re delivering.”

Minster Erdan said, “The use of an attached location device will provide a quick and effective answer for the victims of domestic violence at every moment, and particularly, will allow them the freedom they deserve.”

The Netanyahu goverment has come in for criticism from women’s rights groups for holding up NIS 250 million in funding earmarked to address problems of violence against women but which they say did not go to its intended purpose.

Netanyahu is taking credit for other people’s initiatives, said Keren Greenblatt, i24NEWS reports. Greenblatt is the co-chair of Layla Tov, an organization that works to create a safer Israeli nightlife for women.

Greenblatt told i24NEWS that the GPS electronic ankle proposal has been “on the table for some years now.”