Three Likud ministers
joined the fight against the motion calling
to prohibit marking Nakba Day (the "catastrophe" of Israel's formation) by law, filing a petition with the government secretariat to quash the proposal.
The Ministerial Committee for Legislative Affairs approved the motion, suggested by Yisrael Beiteinu Knesset
Member Alex Miller on Sunday, scheduling it for a first Knesset reading next week.
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Approval of motion to prohibit events marking Palestinian Arab 'catastrophe' of Israel's inception raises concerns among legal experts. Tel Aviv University law expert calls motion 'foolish', while Sha'arei Mishpat law professor says motion legitimate, 'people forget where we are living' |
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The proposal enraged Arab MKs and evoked criticism from
Labor MKs, as well. "The proposed law does not correspond with the freedom of expression practiced in Israel –
a Jewish and democratic state," Ministers Benny Begin, Michael Eitan and Dan Meridor wrote in their petition.
Minister Eitan added that he hoped "the government reaches the same conclusion I did during the committee meeting – that this law will prove ineffective and will do nothing but smear freedom of speech in Israel."
"Legislation is a serious thing and it should not be used for declarative purposes," said Minister Begin. "The legislator has to think about the ways to enforce a law in advance. I cannot see a way to enforce this kind of law.
"Freedom of speech is tested in the ability to see and hear aggravating things, a point which the courts have debated repeatedly," he added.
Roni Sofer contributed to this report