Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has publicly condemned Lamine Yamali after the young star was seen holding a Palestinian flag during Barcelona’s championship celebration parade.
In a statement published in Spanish, Katz accused the player of inciting division at a time when Israel is embroiled in the conflict.
“Lamine Yamal has chosen to speak out against Israel and incite hatred at a time when our soldiers are fighting the terrorist organization Hamas, which on October 7 [2023] committed mass murders, rapes, and burnings of Jewish children, women, and the elderly,” Katz wrote.
“Those who support such actions should ask themselves: do you consider this humane? Is this moral?”
Palestinians “return honor” to Lamine Yamali – his mural appears in Gaza
The Defense Minister stressed that he will not overlook what he describes as incitement against the Jewish people, calling on the Catalan club to take an official stance.
“As Israel’s Defense Minister, I will not remain silent in the face of incitement against Israel and the Jewish people.”
“I hope that a club as big and respected as Barcelona distances itself from these statements and clearly and unequivocally declares zero tolerance for incitement or support for terrorism,” Katz said.
