YWN-ISRAEL reports that Arab MK Bassam Ghattas is being investigated by Israel Police’s 443 Unit as he is suspected of compromising state security by playing a role in smuggling cellular phones to security prisoners (terrorists) in Ketziot Prison.

Minister Ze’ev Elkin of Likud on Monday morning calling to rid the Knesset of Ghattas who is working against the state, not for it. Later Tuesday, Yesh Atid opposition party leader Yair Lapid’s voice was heard, calling to strip Ghattas of his parliamentary immunity to permit charging him with crimes. Lapid made the comments during a faction meeting of his party members.

By smuggling in the phones to security prisoners, the Arab MK enabled terrorists to continue their illegal activities while behind bars. In his response, Ghattas made no effort to defend himself, rather he went on the offensive, accusing his opponents of launching a witch hunt against him simply because he is an Arab MK.

Lapid stated if the allegations are accurate, the attorney general must intervene towards ousting him from Knesset. He added an effort to amend a current law to oust him from Knesset is not the way to go, stating it will take years. He added that one who aids terror must be ousted immediately and not three years from now.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)