One of the first Likud members to openly acknowledge responsibility for their part in the violence is Distel Arbaryan, a former member of the prime minister’s cabinet. She expressed regret for her part in creating the political and social environment in the area before to the October 7th attacks, which ultimately sparked the start of the current conflict.
“I was among those who undermined the state and caused harm to people,” the woman declared. “I strained, I divided, and I produced conflict. And with that tension came a vulnerability. And in many respects, this vulnerability resulted in massacre.
“I am here sitting and telling you, the democratic, secular public: I am sorry for this,” she said. “I sinned against you, I caused pain for you, I made you fear for your lives here.”
Arbaryan talked about her part in the nation’s division, the protests that happened, the rise of hostilities, and the start of the war.
As a minister of public diplomacy, Distel Arbaryan publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Since she was well-known for criticizing her rivals harshly, many people were surprised by her apologies.
After learning that other officials were carrying out her responsibilities, Arbaryan resigned from her post following the Hamas strikes on October 7. When she considered how the state of Israel and its social and political environment led to the current conflict, she expressed regret.
The war we’ve seen erupt over the past several months was sparked by the division that existed during her service, and her apology may be the first of many.
