_a.jpg "Photo: Eli Elgarat")
MK: Bishara's resignation a gift to Israel
Right-wing Knesset members fail to hide their satisfaction over Balad chairman's departure. 'I call on all his friends in the Arab factions to follow in his footsteps,' says National Union MK. Meretz MK says Knesset lost one of its most brilliant parliamentarians
Israel should consider trapping Balad Chairman Azmi Bishara in order to bring him to justice, Knesset Member Yuval Steinitz (Likud) said Sunday, following Bishara's resignation from the Knesset.
According to Foreign Ministry officials, the MK submitted his resignation letter to Israeli Ambassador to Egypt Shalom Cohen. His faction member, MK Jamal Zahalka, confirmed the report.
MK Arieh Eldad (National Religious Party) said, "I praise Bishara for his decision, and call all members of Arab Knesset factions to follow in his footsteps and rid the Israeli Knesset of the presence of those who aid enemies of the state. I hope Bishara seeks political asylum in Syria or among his friends from Hizbullah."
National Religious Party chairman, MK Zevulun Orlev, said that "it's good that Bishara realized his place is in prison, not in the Knesset. The judicial authorities should bring him to justice.
"I intend to push for a bill making it illegal for those who visited enemy countries to be elected to Knesset," he added.
Kadima MK Otniel Schneller also welcomed the Balad chairman's move.
"The State of Israel could not wish for a better gift for its 59 birthday. From now on, every Arab Knesset member will know that a person who blatantly crushes the State's security under the wings of immunity will end up behind bars."
MK Avshalom Vilan (Meretz) expressed his regret over Bishara's resignation.
"The Knesset lost one of its most brilliant parliamentarians, but Bishara was right to resign. It's impossible for the ongoing conflict between Israeli Arabs and their homeland to take place with a background of unending suspicions," he said.
