Israel’s Public Security Minister Uzi Landau said Monday that Arab Israeli MKs are acting like “traitors” in response to remarks by a lawmaker saying that Tel Aviv machinegun attack was a legitimate act of resistance, Israeli Radio reported.
Eight Israeli soldiers and two civilians were wounded Tuesday when a Palestinian from occupied Jerusalem opened fire at the entrance of the Israeli defense ministry in Tel Aviv.
In an interview with Abu Dhabi satellite TV channel, Arab Israeli MK, Talab Al Sane’, said there was no reason to feel guilty or try to justify the act, adding it was a “legitimate deed for people under occupation.”
Sane’s remarks sparked criticism, with Uzi saying that "only in Israel could they [Arab MKs] operate from within the Knesset in order to destroy the state," The Jerusalem Post quoted him as telling the radio.
Meanwhile, Haaretz reported that Israeli Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein intends looking into whether Sane’s remarks are grounds for incitement charges.
Rubinstein is waiting for the full text of the interview, said the paper.
Israeli Justice Minister Meir Sheetrit told Israel Radio on Monday that while Sane's comments were a travesty and unethical, current law does not allow for charges to be brought against him.
Sheetrit called for reviving efforts to change existing law on the matter, Haaretz added.
The Knesset two months ago failed to approve a law against incitement tabled by the ministry.
It is possible, however, that Rubinstein will ask the police to investigate if there is room for charges on the grounds of inciting rebellion or failing to prevent terrorism, according to the paper -- Albawaba.com
© 2001 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
