Attorney General Menachem Mazuz informed MK Michael Ben Ari (National Union) that there is no legal basis for an investigation into MK Ahmad Tibi's visit to Qatar this year. Mazuz said his office had examined the matter in consultation with the relevant defense authorities. Furthermore, Mazuz' office said, Qatar is not on the list of countries Israelis are prohibited from traveling to.
In late March Tibi attended a summit of Arab nations held in Doha. There he met with representatives from Syria and Libya, as well as with Yemen Deputy Prime Minister Abdulkarim El-Eryani.
His aides later said that Tibi and the officials discussed a number of issues regarding the region, including the stagnant peace process and the establishment of a right-wing government in Israel.
Ben Ari turned to Mazuz several days ago and asked him to order the police and Shin Bet to examine both the visit and Tibi's meetings with representatives of hostile nations.
The National Union MK cited the case of former MK Azmi Bishara as cause for investigation. Bishara fled the country after police charged he had provided classified information to Hizbullah during the Second Lebanon War.
Ben Ari responded to Mazuz' rejection of his demand, saying "the attorney general covered for the spy Bishara too, and we saw the results. The AG should examine himself here, but I am encouraged that the defense establishment looked into the matter. I would recommend the Shin Bet and (Military Intelligence) watch Ahmad Tibi and his ilk closely."
Sharon Roffe-Ophir contributed to this report