MK Jamal Zahalka
Photo: Ofer Amram
Former Knesset Member Azmi Bishara
Photo: AFP
MK Yuval Steinitz
Photo: Yoav Galai
‘Bishara scapegoat for war failures’
Knesset member Zahalka responds to statement by MK Steinitz accusing Bishara of treason; ‘Statements are opportunistic, racist, fascist attempt by small politicians to gain cheap popularity’ Zahalka says
“There is a general call to turn Dr. Azmi Bishara into a scapegoat as revenge for failures in the Lebanon war,” MK Jamal Zahalka told Ynet after Wednesday’s publication of the allegations made
against former MK Azmi Bishara.
Following Bishara’s resignation, Zahalka became the leader of the Balad faction.
Zahalka’s comments came in response to MK Yuval Steinitz’s (Likud) statement on Wednesday, when the latter accused Bishara of treason. “Treason, particularly in a time of war, should be punishable by death,” Steinitz said.
“There is a line between democracy and freedom of expression, and treason. Israel must sharpen the line between what is criticism, and what is treason, particularly with Israel’s Arabs, and with the general population,” he explained.
Zahalka accused Steinitz of using Bishara’s investigation as a way of advancing himself politically.
“There is a mix of opportunism and racism here, and fascist conceptions by small politicians trying to gain cheap popularity amongst the public. This is an attempt to try and scare the Arab public into changing its political stances, but it will not work.
“A situation has been created, in which Bishara is guilty until proven innocent, and the burden of proof has fallen on him. Bishara’s blood is being spilt, and this could fall on attentive ears of fanatic sources, of which there are many in the country.
“At the end of the day, this is just an attempt to politically eliminate Bishara, and it will fail because Bishara’s opinions are not only his; large parts of the Arab population, and a significant minority in the Jewish population have the same opinions,” he concluded.
Zahalka told Ynet that Bishara’s resignation created a difficult situation for Balad from a political point of view. However, the party was functioning “wonderfully” from an organizational point of view according to the new faction head.
“There is more activity and energy,” Zahalka said, “Bishara is the head of the pyramid, but not the roots, and that is what will determine the fate of the movement.”
Zahalka also said that he was in contact with Bishara, and that the former Knesset member’s return was “certain” after the storm settled.
