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Science, Culture and Sport Minister Raled Majadele
Photo: Yaron Brener
Arab minister slams rightist MK for anti-Arab remarks
Science Minister Raleb Majadele says remarks by MK Hasson that Arab minority is a threat endanger Israel's democracy
Science, Culture and Sport Minister Raleb Majadele slammed on Thursday MK Israel Hasson of the hawkish Israel Our Home party for suggesting that Israel's Arab minority constitutes an existential threat.
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Hasson told Ynet earlier Thursday that Israel might have to wage a second war for independence against its Arab minority whom he said would be supported by Hamas.
Hasson was commenting on a criminal probe against former Balad MK Azmi Bishara, who is suspected of transferring information to Hizbullah during last summer's war.
'It is impossible to generalize'
Majadele said Hasson's remarks endangered Israel's democracy and threatened to rupture the fragile relation between Jews and Arabs in Israel.
"People like MK Israel Hasson … will only harm the delicate fabric between Jews and Arabs living here," Majadele said. "I regret the fact that MK Hasson chose to use a generalized accusation against all of Israel's Arab population when the allegations against former MK Bishara have not been proven in court."
"Israel's Arab population counts 1.4 million, all of whom want to live with the Jews while respecting the law and public order. It is impossible to generalize from a single incident," he added.
Hadash MK Mohammad Barakeh accused Hasson of incitement, calling on Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to investigate his remarks.
Hasson told Ynet: "If we don’t wake up now, we will have to fight for our independence again very soon. It will be a second war for independence against Israel’s Arabs who will be supported by Hamas."
"Israel Hasson is a man who popped up from the world of the Shin Bet," said Barakeh in reference to Hasson's long service in the organization. "His understanding is limited to the interrogation methods. He still hasn't internalized that he is a Member of Knesset."
