The Knesset Ethics Committee decided to suspend Knesset MK Hanin Zoabi for six months.
The decision was made after "many complaints were submitted to the Ethics Committee regarding the statements made by the Knesset member...in recent weeks...regarding the kidnapping of the three boys Eyal Yifrach, Naftali Frenkel, and Gil-Ad Shaar, may their memory be blessed, last June, and the military operation in Gaza.".
The complaint was filed by Knesset Speaker Yuli Yoel Edelstein, who received the numerous appeals to his office. He specifically referred to an article she published online in which she encouraged the Palestinians to "declare popular resistance" and "impose a siege on Israel instead of negotiating with it," as well as to what she said after the kidnapping, referring to the kidnappers (even before it became clear that they had murdered the boys) - "They are not terrorists... They are forced to use these means, until Israel sobers up a little, until the citizens of Israel and Israeli society sober up a little and feel the suffering of others.".
Among other things, the Knesset Speaker mentioned a video to which she was referred, which depicts "an unusual and aggressive confrontation between MK Zoabi and police officers as part of a demonstration against IDF activity that took place in Haifa.".
He wrote: "I am aware of the Ethics Committee's consistent position that the freedom of political expression of Knesset members in general, and of Knesset members representing minorities in particular, must be protected, and as Speaker of the Knesset I believe that this is a correct and appropriate policy.
However, I believe that MK Zoabi has long since crossed every line in relation to the behavior expected of a member of Knesset. The numerous inquiries I receive indicate that this is not a 'normal' case of harsh or outrageous statements, as happens from time to time in the Knesset, but rather persistent and provocative behavior, which is capable of causing real erosion in the standing of the Knesset in the eyes of the public.
"Therefore, I believe that the Ethics Committee must use the powers granted to it in a way that will convey a message to both MK Zoabi and the general public, that under the fundamental right to freedom of political expression, it is not possible to support terrorist organizations and encourage acts of terrorism against the state and its citizens.".
Among other things, the committee received complaints from Knesset members, organizations (OMZ and the Forum for Israel), and citizens. Among them were those who sought to terminate her term - not within the committee's authority - or to lift her immunity (as above) and put her on trial.
At the same time, her statements regarding the abductees were also examined by the Attorney General, who determined that a criminal investigation would not be opened against her. However, he clarified that his decision was solely on the criminal level and that it did not prevent the matter from being taken into account on the administrative and ethical levels, as the things she said "are difficult things, especially at the time they were said and despite her reservations about the act of kidnapping itself, her words could imply understanding and identification with the act.".
At the same time, MK Zoabi submitted her response to the complaints, demanding that the committee reject them.
""I completely reject the sarcastic complaint that indicates a dominant culture of racism and the need to control others and suppress their political opinions.
I have addressed the context of the trial (which deals with the abductors of the boys) in numerous media interviews and will not repeat myself again, and I ask that the Ethics Committee review them to obtain a full picture. It is also a shame that the Knesset Speaker chose to quote a partial sentence and omit the part where I said "even if I disagree with them.".
In any case, I admit that my political and parliamentary activities, like my statements and positions, represent political views and values that are completely contradictory to those reflected behind the complaints. I am proud of this, because the complaints are driven by racist and anti-democratic worldviews.
I represent a vision of justice, freedom and equality, and an uncompromising path of struggle against racism, oppression, discrimination, dispossession and denial of rights. I believe that people with racism and power should not compromise, and that respecting human value and rights is the only way to a normal and safe life for all.
"We must not give in to all those who disagree with me and who also want to silence me, punish me, and even take revenge on me.".
Following all of this, the Ethics Committee decided to view her remarks as an exception to the realm of legitimate statements, although it emphasized that it was in favor of freedom of expression.
MK Aliza Lavie responded that the decision is insufficient. "A Hamas representative has no place in the Israeli Knesset. MK Haneen Zoabi expresses a consistent line of support for the enemy and harm to Israel's security. Her behavior raises fundamental concerns because she has crossed the bright red line beyond which it is no longer possible to be a member of the Israeli Knesset."".
MK Miri Regev said that after the impeachment, she will work to remove Zoabi's immunity.
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