The Knesset's Interior and Environmental Protection Committee, headed by MK Miri Regev, discussed today (Monday) the severe incitement that has been taking place in recent months, and criticized representatives of the police and the Attorney General for their conduct and failure to enforce the provisions prohibiting incitement among citizens and members of Knesset in the State of Israel.
The discussion was attended by, among others, the Ministry of Public Security, the Deputy Attorney General, the Christian Officers Forum, and Sarah Zoabi - the mother of Muhammad, who was smuggled to the US last week after receiving threats on his life after expressing his views in favor of Israel and against Palestinian terrorism.
""The incitement is expressed in an extreme way, and requires deep treatment," said MK Regev. "It is impossible for soldiers to be spoken about like this when they are risking their lives for our security. Starting with anti-Jewish expressions made on social media and in demonstrations, continuing with threats directed at supporters of Israel - such as Pastor Gabriel - who is receiving severe threats following his activities to recruit Christian boys into the ranks of the IDF, and whether it is the northern faction of Israeli Arabs who express public support for the kidnapping of soldiers, to the spitting and stones thrown at police officers, and the support of Knesset members for terrorist organizations.".
MK Regev detailed a series of expressions and calls for incitement. Among them, she presented things said and written by MK Haneen Zoabi in favor of Hamas, and things said by MK Ahmed Tibi that thousands of martyrs would be blessed in the homeland and abroad, and called on Arab youth to be like them.
Regarding these facts, MK Regev said: "There is no meaning to a martyr except for the intention to harm innocent people.".
MK Regev said: "I am against incitement from both the right and the left. These statements have no place in a democratic country, and certainly not in times of war. In general, there is no problem with holding demonstrations. On the contrary, it is important that there be freedom of expression on both sides, for both Jews and Arabs, for both the right and the left.".
""The problem is when statements are made that constitute incitement, as the Penal Code defines, and all parties must act as they do in similar cases in any civilized country.".
""It is impossible for democracy to turn into anarchy. On both sides. After discussions and conversations that I have had and am still having with police officials and legal counsel, I have the feeling that the prosecution is proceeding in an irritatingly slow and sloppy manner.".
""This is the third debate I've held, and I will ask to hold more debates on incitement during the recess.".
MK Regev turned to the Deputy Attorney General, Attorney Raz Nizri, and to the head of the Anti-Terrorism Committee, Chief of Staff Meni Yitzhaki, and said: "There must be a clear policy of a tough hand against those who call for incitement, both against citizens and against members of Knesset," and asked to verify with the police that MK Hanin Zoabi had been summoned for questioning, that the procedure was being followed, and that she would indeed attend the questioning.
""I understand that Mrs. Hanin Zoabi cannot come to the investigation, what would make her come? Arrange for a luxurious car with flowers for her? I hope she will be put on trial and her immunity will be lifted. It is time to send a clear and concise message of what is permitted and what is prohibited.".
Sarah Zoabi, the mother of the boy Muhammad, participated in the discussion and said that recently her life and the life of her son have been threatened, and that as a result, the landlord kicked her out of the apartment, which led, among other things, to her son being smuggled abroad last week.
MK Regev, who heard about the matter, assured Zoabi that the Interior Committee would ensure that she was given full protection, personal security, and shelter.
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