Knesset Speaker Edelstein explains his decision to suspend MK Oren Hazan from running plenum sessions, emphasizing that the “public atmosphere” created in the wake of a Channel 2 report on Hazan’s alleged conduct in his past life as a hotel and casino manager makes it impossible for Hazan to continue functioning in his role as deputy chairman.
“In the public atmosphere created,” Edelstein says, the decision to suspend Hazan came “from ethical and moral considerations, not criminal ones.”
“The Knesset is more important than him and more important than me and its dignity is precious,” says Edelstein.
Meanwhile, Meretz leader Zahava Gal-on tells Channel 2 that she supports Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog’s decision to “equalize” votes with the coalition if Hazan decides to be absent from important votes, but still criticizes the fact that no coalition or Likud MK, including the prime minister, has come out publicly in condemnation of Hazan’s alleged misconduct.
Channel 2 also reports that associates of Hazan “threatened” Edelstein.
Zahava Gal-on during a Knesset meeting (photo credit: Miriam Alster/Flash90)
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Tuesday, June 9, 2015
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