Israeli Rock Icon Efraim Shamir Questioned Over Alleged Incitement Against Netanyahu

Efraim Shamir, a legendary figure in Israeli music and former member of the iconic rock band Kaveret, was brought in for questioning by Israel Police’s national crime unit, Lahav 443, on Wednesday. The investigation reportedly centers around allegations of incitement to terrorism and violence directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Shamir, who has become increasingly known in recent years for his provocative online presence, is alleged to have posted inflammatory content on social media including a statement reportedly saying, "A lying son of a liar must die." His legal counsel, attorney Yair Nahorai, stated that Shamir “completely denies the accusations” and emphasized that his client does not condone violence in any form.

“I don’t even know why I’m here,” Shamir told Ynet before entering his police interview. He acknowledged that the questioning may be linked to his past Facebook posts but remained uncertain about the specific allegations.

Shamir has long been a controversial voice on Israeli social media, frequently expressing harsh criticism of Netanyahu and the current government. His inflammatory rhetoric has drawn attention before most notably in 2019, when he responded to the death of then-President Reuven Rivlin’s wife, Nechama Rivlin, with a post asking, “Why not Sara?” in reference to the prime minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu.

The incident has reignited debate within Israel about the limits of free speech, especially in times of war and national stress. While many defend Shamir’s right to criticize political leaders, others argue that inflammatory language especially from public figures can fan the flames of division and violence.

The police investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed as of yet. Shamir’s team says it will respond more fully once the questioning process concludes.

This episode reflects a broader cultural crossroads in Israel, where freedom of expression intersects with national security and public accountability. In a country that values open debate but also knows the cost of internal discord, where that line is drawn continues to evolve.

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