Arab-Israeli legislators furious about new "enemy state" bill

Jul 1, 2008, 10:54 GMT

Jerusalem - Arab-Israel legislators reacted furiously Tuesday to a new law prohibiting any citizen who has visited an enemy state from becoming a Knesset member, saying they would challenge the 'unconstitutional' bill in the Supreme Court.

The bill passed Monday night with a 52-24 majority.

It was initiated by two hardline legislators after former lawmaker Azmi Bishara made numerous trips to Syria and Lebanon. Bishara, who has not returned to Israel from his last trip abroad, is wanted for questioning by the police on suspicion he aided the Lebanese Hezbollah movement during its 2006 war with Israel.

Outspoken lawmaker Ahmad Tibi of the United Arab List said the law would not withstand a the test of the Supreme Court since it impinged on equality. In addition, he said, since the bill had not received 61 (out of 120) Knesset votes, it could not be regarded as an ammendment to the Basic Law, which is supposed to form the basis of Israel's constitution.

Another legislator, Muhammad Barakeh of the joint Arab-Jewish Hadash party, slammed the law as attempting 'to impose a rule of terror in thought and political opinion.'

Jamal Zahalka of the Balad party said he would lodge an appeal with the Supreme Court, and argued that Arab-Israeli legislators had the right to visit other Arab countries.

Some 12 Arab-Israeli legislators currently sit in the 120-seat Knesset. Three of them, including a minister, represent parties currently in the governing coalition, the remainder sit in the opposition.