Terror in the Knesset

A bill going through the Knesset, Israel's parliament, would allow the Knesset to expel from its ranks Knesset members who express support for terror or terrorist organizations. According to the bill, any such expulsion would require the consent of the Supreme Court. Though any law threatening to ban politicians for expressing themselves is problematic, I think this bill is a step in the right direction. Some Arab MK's have crossed the line. These are people like Ahmed Tibi, who was once Arafat's advisor, and Azmi Bishara, who has expressed support for Hezbollah and armed resistance (and attended the same rally as arch-terrorist and Hezbollah leader Sheik Hassan Nassralla). They do not belong in the Knesset.

However, the current bill still isn't good enough. Though it gives the Supreme Court a final say on whether or not a member will be expelled from the Knesset, the decision to start the impeachment process is in the hands of his fellow politicians. I think it should be in the hands of the courts. MKs are legally required to resign when they are convicted of a crime. Expression of support for terrorism by an MK should be treated the same way and prosecuted by professional state's attorneys, not politicians.

Tags: Israel, Knesset, Israeli Politics, Terrorism