Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called to outlaw the Islamic Movement after its latest rally in Umm el-Fahm, Israel Radio reported. During an interview with the radio, Netanyahu said, "the Islamic Movement is a cancerous growth, a disease, which threatens the Zionist character [of the State]."
On Friday night, the northern branch of the Movement staged one of its largest demonstrations ever in the municipal soccer stadium of Umm el-Fahm. Some 60,000 people were estimated to have packed the stadium to hear former Umm el-Fahm Mayor Sheikh Raed Salah's speech.
Salah, head of the northern branch, denounced US President George W. Bush as "that American cowboy." Members of the branch also condemned the Israeli government policies toward the Palestinians, Israeli Arabs, and Muslims in general.
The rally was held under the slogan "Al-Aqsa in Danger." Speakers at the gathering charged that the policies of Sharon government were responsible for the blood-letting. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
