Arab MKs dubbed ‘Hamas collaborators’
Jewish MKs slam Arab-Israeli lawmakers for submitting no-confidence vote on arrests of Palestinian lawmakers. ‘Where were you when an 18-year-old boy was murdered (Eliyahu Asheri)? It didn’t even interest you,’ MK Sharoni tells them
Tension between Jewish and Arab MKs have increased since the abduction of Corporal Gilad Shalit last week, and on Monday harsh words were exchanged during a session on the no-confidence vote submitted by the Arab parties on the heels of the arrests of Palestinian parliament members.
MK Moshe Sharoni of the Pensioners party called out to the Arab MKs, “you are collaborators of terror; you encourage terrorists. Go there (Gaza).
“Where were you when an 18-year-old boy was murdered (Eliyahu Asheri)? It didn’t even interest you. The name ‘Gaza’ should be switched to ‘city of terrorists’.”
MK Alex Miller of Israel Our Home also lashed out at the Arab-Israeli lawmakers, saying “if any Knesset member here is irate by the fact that we arrested members of the Palestinian terror parliament, he is welcome to go to Gaza and replace them; I’m sure he will be greeted warmly.”
Knesset Member Mohammad Barakeh of Hadash attacked the IDF operation in Gaza during a speech delivered in the Knesset. "The military operation in Gaza reminds me of Operation Peace for Galilee. But the Israeli government is not looking for the peace of Gilad, but the peace of Shalit (Hebrew for ruler)."
Barakeh claimed that the State of Israel is not searching for a solution which was not forceful, and the US government approved the approach.
"The government is not interested in a diplomatic solution. The operation has clear American cover both through statements and in the form a green light to harm civilians," Barakeh.
United Arab List – Ta'al MK Taleb El-Sana called on the Palestinians to defer the ultimatum they have given to Israel regarding the abducted soldier Gilad Shalit.
MK El-Sana also called on the Israeli government to cease its operation in Gaza and allow Arab MKs to get involved in efforts to end the crisis. (
Knesset Member Azmi Bishara said during the session: "In a sovereign country they would hold negotiations over this. The Israeli government must provide an answer – after the failure of the disengagement model what will be the model in the West Bank? Not whether there is or isn't a partner, but what are the recommendations of the State of Israel for the West Bank."
A no-confidence motion was rejected with a majority of 76, while 10 supported the motion, and three abstained.
The Knesset Committee is expected to discuss a legislative maneuver proposed by National Union-NRP faction Chairman Zevulun Orlev, according to which limitations on Knesset Members are increased over the issue of supporting, encouraging, or identifying with terror organizations.
The bill was formulated following a series of declarations of Knesset Members who expressed support of Hamas and even met with Hamas Palestinian parliament members.
'Israel not trying to end this'
United Arab List-Ta'al Chairman, Knesset Member Ibrahim Sarsur, and his colleague Knesset Member Abas Zkoor met with family members of Hamas senior members from east Jerusalem arrested by Israel last week.
The two met with the families of Palestinian Authority Minister for Jerusalem Affairs, Khaled Abu Arafeh, and Palestinian parliament members Muhammad Abu Tir, and Ahmed Atun – all east Jerusalem residents.
"We expressed our solidarity with the families and our readiness to help them as much as possible – whether bringing in lawyers over this matter or representing them as much as possible in the Knesset and outside of the Knesset," Sarsur said.
Sarsur said he submitted the no-confidence motion against the government because of "Israel's failure to response to any formulation that can end this miserable episode and the arrest of Palestinian parliament members and ministers."
Knesset Member Sarsur claimed the arrests of Hamas members were unjustified.
Roee Nahmias contributed to the report
