Edelstein and Rivlin criticize suspension bill; discussion in Knesset committee canceled
PM Netanyahu's initiative, which would create new rules for suspending errant MKs, is meeting difficult opposition in the form of MK and Presidential criticism.
The decision came after the bill received heavy criticism from Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein (Likud), as well as Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. MK Slomiansky (Habayit Hayehudi) decided to postpone discussions of the bill until Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returns to Israel and the Likud party's position on the issue is officially solidified.
President Rivlin said in a speech on Monday that the bill exemplifies a problematic understanding of democracy in Israel, and that it betrays the voters and the essence of the Knesset. He called the liberal wing of the Israeli right to form an alternative to what he said was a narrow and dangerous perception of democracy.
The suspension bill came about after Knesset members from the Balad faction of the Joint List party met with family members of Palestinian terrorists, who asked the MKs to help return their bodies to the families. According to Netanyahu's bill outline, the Knesset would be able to suspend an MK who worked toward advancing or inciting terrorism. If the bill is to take effect the Israeli Parlaiment would need to amend one of the state's basic laws.
