At the last moment, The Movement party leader Justice Minister Tzipi Livni on Wednesday 4 Kislev blocked the preliminary reading of the so-called Zoabi Bill. In response, Likud MK Danny Danon told Livni “you defend the soton”.

The bill is the initiative of MK (Yisrael Beitenu) David Rotem, stating that a simple majority of 61 MKs may vote to oust a colleague who openly supports a terrorist organization’s efforts against the state. The bill is aimed at MK Hanin Zoabi, hence the bill’s name, in response to the Arab MK’s many statements in support of Hamas and Israel’s enemies.

Moments before the bill was to be presented for its preliminary reading Livni filed an objection with the Knesset Secretary, resulting in the vote being delayed. Officially, Livni’s objection was a procedural issue. She explains her opposition is that she fears if one MK has the authority to oust another the Knesset will become a tribunal. “I hate Zoabi’s words and what she represents and would be pleased to see not get elected in the next elections, but I remain opposed to a bill that permits MKs to oust their peers. It is a dangerous concept. Today it is her and tomorrow another” she concluded.

Rotem was angered over the move but remains determined to push his bill forward. MK Danon accused Livni of being the “soton’s attorney”. Responding to Danon’s remarks, officials in Livni’s office added “He is pressured but it won’t help him in the Likud primaries”.

Livni pulled her objection to the bill on Thursday 5 Kislev after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told her if she does not do so, he will present the bill to the cabinet where its passage is guaranteed.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)