Bill pushes harsh sentence for vandalizing holy sites

United Arab List-Ta'al offers legislation suggesting desecration of any synagogue, mosque or church will carry mandatory prison sentence of six years

Moran Azulay|Published: 12.20.11 , 18:42

"Price tag" bill: Knesset members Ibrahim Sarsur and Ahmad Tibi (United Arab List-Ta'al) presented the Knesset with a bill calling to exacerbate the punitive action taken against anyone convicted of desecrating holy sites – regardless of the site's religious affiliation.

The bill, brought before the House on Tuesday, suggests that vandalism of a synagogue, mosque, or church of helwa (Druze houses of worship) will carry a mandatory six-year prison sentence; and that anyone convicted of inciting such acts will be sentenced to two years in jail.

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"This bill was more than called for considering the recent torching of masques. We must do more than just condemn such acts," MK Tibi explained.

"The recent wave of mosque torching crossed a red line. No suspects were arrested and no deterrent punishment is in place.

"Condemnation is lip-service," he added, "The situation will only get worse because there is no enforcement and no deterrence.

"We must send a strong message – that no harm must come to religion sites – if we want to prevent a religious war. This bill is a test for the government and the coalition," he concluded.