Tibi gets 2-week ban on running Knesset sessions

Joint (Arab) List MK Ahmad Tibi, a deputy parliament speaker, gets a two-week ban on running Knesset plenum sessions for throwing Zeev Elkin out of a session last month after he accused Arab parliamentarians — and Tibi in particular — of bearing responsibility for the ongoing wave of Palestinian attacks on Israeli civilians and security forces.

Tibi, who was chairing a debate on a cabinet decision to enforce closures and curfews on some East Jerusalem neighborhoods, ordered Elkin off the podium and told ushers to escort Elkin out of the hall, bringing to an end a heated exchange of words between the two.

The Knesset Ethics Committee says that Tibi did not abuse his authority in removing Elkin from the podium, but did do so when he ejected the minister form the hall. Both Elkin and Tibi had complained to the committee.

Tibi’s associates say the decision to suspend him is indicative of the current atmosphere.