"How is this not a prison sentence?!": Storm over Ben Gvir's "bra bra" phone call

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir distributed millions of automated phone calls in which he shouts "bra bra" in Arabic at Sami Abu Shahada, following the latter's disqualification from running for the Knesset. Many citizens who received the call expressed anger and shock on social media, questioning how this act does not warrant a prison sentence.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir distributed millions of automated phone calls this morning (Friday) to all Israeli citizens, following the disqualification of Balad party chairman Sami Abu Shahada from running for the Knesset. The calls, which began with shouts of "bra bra" in Arabic, caused a storm on social media. Many citizens reported receiving the call between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM from an unidentified number and were alarmed by the shouting. In response to the calls, users on X attacked Ben Gvir, writing: "How is this not spam and punishable by a long prison sentence?", "Just for this, you shouldn't vote for him." The Otzma Yehudit party celebrated Abu Shahada's disqualification and promised to continue removing senior members of Arab parties, including MK Ofer Cassif and MK Ahmad Tibi.