The Knesset on Monday approved a preliminary reading of the so-called Enemy State bill, which states any elected officials visiting a hostile nation without prior permission will be prohibited from running for Knesset for seven years.

The bill is aimed at Arab lawmakers who frequently travel to Lebanon and other countries, nations that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

The bill is authored by MK (NRP) Zevulun Orlev.

According to MK (Ta’al) Dr. Ahmed Tibi, the bill is racist and illegal, explaining that since it did not receive a 61 vote majority, it will not stand up to a challenge in the Supreme Court.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)