Bennett Scolded by Family of Fallen Police Commando During Shivah Call

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett visited the home of Sgt. Maj. Noam Raz’s family in the Shomron community of Keida on Wednesday morning to offer his condolences.

The fighter from Yamam, the police’s elite counterterrorism unit, was killed last Friday in a firefight with Palestinian terrorists, during a joint operation by several units in Burqin, near Jenin.

He was 47 years old.

It is the first shivah visit made by Bennett since the beginning of the latest wave of terror in Israel, marked by a resurgence of attacks throughout the country.

On this point, the head of government has been the target of recurrent criticism in recent months, particularly from his political opponents, who accuse him of indifference toward the families of victims.

Raz was buried on Sunday in Yerushalayim.

A founding member and resident of Keida, he leaves behind his wife, Efrat, and six children. He was posthumously promoted to the rank of Command Sergeant Major.

Bennett reportedly moved his visit one hour earlier than expected, in an unsuccessful attempt to avoid demonstrations against his presence by right-wing activists and local residents.

Raz’s son, Be’eri, scolded Bennett, “Do not promise us anything. Nothing, based on past experience, is ever fulfilled anyway. I don’t know how you look at yourself in the mirror. You are as guilty as the terrorist.”

“You ruined your opportunity,” he continued. “We want to see someone we believe in. You don’t deserve to be in my father’s house. I hope you are listening, not just nodding your head.”

“You still have time to change,” said Raz’s widow, Efrat. “Every day that you sit in that chair, you can change. If you are not faithful to the essence for which you were chosen, you will no longer be here. Be faithful to the truth, look yourself in the eye. You have more time to change; we are done with being humiliated.”