Coalition to boycott Arab MKs’ speeches over Peres snub

Chairman of the coalition David Bitan says its MKs are planning a walkout during speeches by lawmakers from the Joint (Arab) List at this week’s Knesset sessions, over the party’s boycott of former president Shimon Peres’s funeral.

Responding to the announcement, Joint List chairman Ayman Ouda says he’s “not surprised” at the move, noting what he called “fascist and racist policies” of the government.

“Even if you leave the plenary, even if you shut your eyes really tightly, we will still be here,” he says. “I see this as an excellent opportunity to speak directly to the public without interruptions.”

The decision by Arab MKs to miss the September 30 funeral for the former president and prime minister was condemned by their colleagues across the political spectrum.

— Raoul Wootliff