Israel’s Chief Rabbi Denies Palestinian Peoplehood, Draws CAIR Condemnation

Israel’s chief rabbi, David Yosef, has denied the existence of a Palestinian nation and rejected Palestinians’ rights, remarks that the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned as “hate-filled” rhetoric. Speaking at the Gush Katif Museum in West al-Quds, Yosef claimed there was “no such thing as a Palestinian people” and that Palestinians had no rights.

Yosef also reiterated Israel’s claim to sovereignty over the Gaza Strip and Palestinian cities in the occupied West Bank. He called for the destruction of Gaza and the establishment of Israeli settlements in the besieged territory, asserting that “Gaza is ours” and that Israelis would return there.

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad strongly condemned the remarks, saying such rhetoric dehumanizes Palestinians and contributes to an ideological and religious environment in which genocide can be normalized and justified. Awad stressed that Palestinians have a deep-rooted history, culture and identity tied to their homeland and deserve the same fundamental rights, dignity, freedom and security as all other people.