A bill in Knesset is aimed at preventing Arab MKs from visiting nations who do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel. The bill states that any lawmaker visiting a hostile nation without receiving prior approval from Knesset officials will be ineligible to run for office.

The first reading of the bill passed with a comfortable majority of 63-16, with three abstentions, which included Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Finance Minister Ehud Olmert, perhaps in a move to woo the Arab vote as Kadima heads to a coalition crisis.

Likud MK Yuli Edelstein did not let Olmert abstain without passing comment; expressing harsh criticism for the prime minister whom he stated was acting out of his own political interests once again, putting national interests aside.

Arab MK Mohammad Barakeh of the Hadash Party labeled the bill “racist”. He was joined by Ta’al MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi, who preferred to make reference to what he called the “corrupt MKs” seeking and Arab-free Knesset.

Defending the bill was MK (NRP) Zevulun Orlev, who stated one who visits enemy countries is acting contrary to the interests of Israel and acting to support and strengthen terrorists.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)