WATCH: UTJ Head Goldknopf Denounced Over Video of Him Dancing to Draft Dodger Song

A video showing israeli Housing Minister Yitzchok Goldknopf, the head of the Agudas Yisroel faction of the United Torah Judaism party, dancing at a wedding to a song that promotes anti-Zionist and anti-enlistment sentiments has drawn widespread condemnation from secular and non-chareidi politicians in Israel.

Amid the backlash, Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu praised Goldknopf for “disavowing” the song.

In the viral video, Goldknopf can be seen surrounded by young chareidi men as they chant lyrics that include, “We don’t believe in the government of infidels” and “We won’t show up at their [army] recruitment offices,” with one part of the song stating: “We will die and not enlist.”

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National Unity Party leader Benny Gantz expressed his concern, calling Goldknopf’s behavior a threat to the State of Israel. He declared, “This is not the Deep State — it is subversion from within the government that is harming the State of Israel,” emphasizing that the appropriate response would be “a letter of dismissal and enlistment orders.” Gantz further stated, “Any other message is a spit in the faces of IDF soldiers. Only a Zionist consensus government will save Israel’s security.”

Yisroel Beiteinu Knesset member Oded Forer also voiced his outrage over the incident, tweeting, “Our soldiers are guarding the borders and Minister Goldknopf dances to the evasive anthem.” He criticized Netanyahu for failing to act, adding, “A real prime minister would have fired him this evening. But we only have the fake version of a prime minister. The State of Israel must enact a simple law — if you don’t enlist, then you don’t vote either.”

Opposition leader Yair Lapid also joined the chorus of criticism, pointing to the heavy sacrifices made by soldiers since October 7, 2023. He said, “A minister who jumps up [to dance] against the state of Israel should have been fired this evening,” accusing Netanyahu of inaction by calling him “the prime minister of evasion and refusal.”

Goldknopf’s actions have also angered some of his own coalition partners. Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich called the incident “a shame and a disgrace,” tweeting that the time for silence had ended. He demanded that Netanyahu confront Goldknopf immediately and “put an end to his disgraceful conduct.” MK Ohad Tal, from Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, went further, accusing Goldknopf of losing touch with reality. He urged Netanyahu to “show him the door so that anyone who does not believe in the ‘rule of the infidels’ will not dare to be a minister.”

Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett dismissed the criticisms from coalition members, claiming their statements were “worthless” in light of the government’s actions. He posted on X that the real issue was the government’s continued funding of evasion, which he argued placed the burden on reservists. “We don’t need your condemnations, but simple action by the government: A complete cessation of evasion budgets,” he insisted.

In response to the backlash, Goldknopf defended his actions, claiming that his critics were attempting to stir division and escalate conflict. He explained that while he was uncomfortable with the song, he did not leave the wedding “in order not to offend the chosson and his family.” He added, “Unfortunately, some people have taken advantage of this for incitement, as if I agree with the content of the song. So here it is: I disavow and condemn it.”

Netanyahu responded to Goldknopf’s statement, acknowledging that the minister “did well to disavow the song that was played at the event he attended and even expressed regret about it.” Netanyahu further emphasized, “There is no place for songs against serving in the IDF. It is time to unite the forces within against the enemies without.”

Goldknopf later issued a stronger apology, acknowledging that his actions had upset many people. He admitted, “At the height of the dance and the music I didn’t set boundaries, and precisely as someone who helps reservists, fears for the wellbeing of soldiers and prays for their success — I ask for forgiveness.” He added, “I was obligated to shut down the band immediately and this is what I’ll do going forward,” expressing his understanding of those hurt by the incident and offering a sincere apology.

This incident follows the well-publicized one that took place at the wedding of a son of Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin, where the same song was played, sparking similar backlash.

{Matzav.com Israel}