Joint List calls on MKs to reject Ghattas expulsion

The Joint (Arab) List criticizes what it says is the “contradictory” position of some opposition members demanding the mainly Arab party expel MK Basel Ghattas from its ranks.

In a letter to the Joint (Arab) List Knesset faction, the Zionist Union faction told the mainly Arab party to expel Ghattas on pain of support for a law that will allow lawmakers to boot colleagues from the Knesset.

“The support of some of the opposition MKs in suggesting the use of the expulsion law against MK Ghattas directly contradicts the position of the opposition, as it was expressed in discussion about the law,” the Joint List statement reads.

Ghattas is suspected of passing phones and other contraband to two Palestinians serving time in Israeli jail, one for murder and one for other terror offenses. He was recently released from house arrest but is expected to be charged.

“The Knesset is not a court and the process of expulsion is a dangerous tool, which is liable to be an opening for vengeance and a serious blow to the rights of MKs, especially Arab MKs,” the Joint List statement adds.

“We call on all members of the Knesset take a principled stand and oppose the expulsion irrespective of the alleged crimes attributed to MK Basel Ghattas,” the statement reads.

— Dov Lieber