Central Election Committee Chairman Justice Salim Jubran has instructed the Yisrael Beitenu party to cease distribution of the Charlie Hebdo magazine. Jubran’s decision was in response to a request to the election committee by MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi.

Lieberman recently instructed his party to purchase copies of the magazine after Steimatzky backed down from a promotional launch for the magazine in Israel. Lieberman feels the distribution of the magazine sends a clear message to radical Islam, that “we won’t be intimidated”.

Both Lieberman and Tibi were present for the election committee session on the matter on Wednesday, 15 Shevat. Lieberman confirmed the magazine wrapping for the distributed issue said “Ahmed Tibi does not want you to see this. Ahmed Tibi does not recognize Israel as a Jewish nation. We do. Paper does not kill, terror does. Tachlis, Lieberman and Yisrael Beitenu”.

The magazine wrapper printed by Yisrael Beitenu also addressed Arab MK Masud Ganaim, who warned the distribution of the magazine would be viewed as offensive by the Islamic community and the party is continuing distribution for it will not be intimidated by terror.

Jubran halted distribution under Article 8 of the nation’s election law which prohibits electioneering in the form of gifts.

Yisrael Beitenu plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)