Netanyahu defends blacklisting 'inciting' Islamist group

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuses the Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement of subversive activity, defending his government’s decision to outlaw the group.

“The Northern Branch of the Islamic Movement is undermining the state. It incites to violence against the innocent and is establishing close ties with terror group Hamas and it undermines the state in order to set up in its place an Islamist caliphate,” he tells the press.

He adds that he has nothing against Islam or Muslim citizens.

“We will continue to act against the inciters, against those who support terror no matter who they are. Our goal is to prevent incitement that contributes to attacks against the innocent. Our goal is to protect the state,” he says.