Rivlin objects to revoking Arab MKs' immunity
At session discussing Arab MKs' visit to Libya, Knesset speaker says, 'Limiting freedom of expression is slippery slope, could end in tyranny'. Committee decides to put off vote on revoking immunity until next week
"I came here to protect the Knesset," said Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin at a committee meeting discussing National Union MK Michael Ben Ari's motion to revoke the immunity of Arab Knesset members who recently visited Libya, expressing his adamant objection to the move.
The session ended without a vote, and it was decided that another meeting will be held next week in which the conduct of each Arab MK would be examined individually. The decision was made in accordance with the Knesset's legal department's recommendation.
The Knesset speaker said, "Limiting the freedom of expression and narrowing the Knesset members' steps is a dangerous, slippery slope, which will end in tyranny and the nullification of the minority."
Rivlin added that revoking the MKs immunity could serve as a double-edged sword and equally harm the other end of the political spectrum. "Today, it is the Arab minority, and tomorrow it will be another minority. Such things have happened in the past.
"Tomorrow morning, they could demand my immunity be revoked, just because I visited Homesh. This is a dangerous start."
Monday's committee meeting (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
During the session, which was boycotted by the Arab MKs, Ben-Ari said his motion represents the stance of the majority of Israel's citizens. "This is not Ben-Ari's circus, but the desire of the State of Israel," Ben-Ari said, "I hope we have enough resolve to declare that we are putting an end to this dangerous move here and now. "
In response, Rivlin said, "If someone thinks traveling to Libya is an awful thing, then they should legislate a law that bans traveling to Libya."
Ben-Ari retorted saying, "We are talking about walking hand in hand with Israel's worst enemies. I believe this is not freedom of expression."
During the session, Meretz MK Ilan Gilon said he did not understand why the meeting was called to begin with. "It is obvious that this is a Kahanistic horse," he said, "If Michael Ben-Ari doesn't want to see Arabs in the Knesset, he should legislate a law accordingly.
"How can I judge what is more dangerous? A pathetic kiss with that ridiculous Gaddafi, or seating the Turkish ambassador on a low chair? What caused more damage? The man with the dress in Libya? This is not the matter of the discussion… The worst thing is that any insane stance such as these may find its way here."
On the other hand, the committee's Chairman MK Yariv Levin (Likud) tied the Libya visit o MK Haneen Zuabi's participation in an aid voyage that left from Turkey and Greece to the Gaza Strip last week.
"Is it reasonable that holders of diplomatic passports sail to Hamas?" he asked. "Is there any democratic country that would agree to this? We pay MK Zuabi's salary, and she goes to meet with a terror organization. She serves as the terror organization's post in the Knesset. This has to stop."
