While MK (Icud HaLeumi) Dr. Michael Ben-Ari is calling to revoke the parliamentary immunity of Arab MKs who recently visited Libya, a nation that does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, Knesset Speaker (Likud) Reuven Rivlin explained he is supporting and protecting the Knesset, and therefore he cannot support the move. The speaker told the Knesset Committee that he fears such a move would have a negative impact on freedom of expression and therefore, he is opposed. The committee plans to meet again before announcing its decision.

In an effort to give an example, he stated they may then seek to revoke my immunity for visiting Chomesh, the former N. Shomron community uprooted in the 2005 implementation of Ariel Sharon’s Disengagement Plan.

In another freedom of expression case, Rivlin however did not side with the underdog, when selecting the parliamentary delegation to attend the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, refusing to invite Ben-Ari, since he follows the teachings of Rabbi Meir Kahane HY”D.

Arab MKs made their point, boycotting the session, while Ben-Ari found himself arguing with the speaker, who was the Arab MKs staunchest supporter. He on the other hand cited that Libya is an enemy of Israel’s and lawmakers cannot simply visit a hostile nation without being granted permission for doing so in advance.

Meretz’ Ilan Gilon called Ben-Ari’s action a “Kahanist horse”, adding the MK should just come out and say he does not wish to see Arab lawmakers in Knesset.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)