'Azmi Bishara law' passes in Knesset first reading
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The 'Azmi Bishara law' passed in the first Knesset reading on Monday with a majority of 23 to 9. The law states that the state of Israel will withhold salary and pension payments, and any other payments to a Knesset member suspected of, or convicted of crimes with a prison sentence of five years or more and who hasn't reported in for his investigation, trial or sentence.
During the stormy discussion, harsh words were exchanged between the Jewish and Arab MKs. Among the exchanges was the one between MK Miri Regev (Likud) and MK Hanin Zoabi (Balad): "Go to Gaza you traitor". MK Jamal Zahalka (Balad) said that Bishara was abroad for the sake of his nation's rights". (Roni Sofer)
