The Im Tirtzu movement turned to Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit on Monday 5 Kislev with a request to open a criminal investigation against MK Jamal Zahalka (Arab Bloc) for his continued residency in an illegal home.

Last year, Channel 10 reported that MK Zahalka was living in an illegal community built in Kafr Qara – a revelation uncovered by a drone sent by the Regavim organization.

This week the Israeli news site NRG reported that MK Zahalka is still living in his illegal home in clear violation of the law, despite instructions from the Knesset Planning and Construction Committee to destroy the community, including the MK’s home.

Following the report, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu posted the story on his Facebook page, writing: “In the State of Israel there will not be two sets of laws. One law for all – also for Members of Knesset. I expect from the rule of law protectors on the Left and in the media, who for some reason are maintaining a deafening silence, to join in this just demand.”

Im Tirtzu CEO Matan Peleg emphasized that “the average citizen expects his elected representatives to act with the utmost integrity. MK Zahalka continues to ignore the law and it’s time for the Attorney General to act accordingly. For a lawmaker to disrespect the law is without a doubt an utter disgrace to the Knesset. The fact that this MK maintains a ‘Palestinian’ and anti-Israel agenda does not put him above the law.”

The letter sent to the Attorney General by Im Tirtzu concluded: “In light of the above, we call on you to open a criminal investigation against Member of Knesset Jamal Zahalka in accordance with the authority of the Office of the Attorney General.”

Attached is the letter sent to the Attorney General.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)