Hackles were raised on both sides of the political spectrum on last Tuesday over a new bill proposing individuals who visit "enemy nations" without the necessary authorizations will henceforth be declared ineligible to run for parliament. The bill passed its first reading in the Knesset plenum – with 63 voting in favor and 16 objecting. Three MKs abstained – including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Finance Minister Ronnie Bar-On.

Olmert and Bar-On’s decided to abstain despite a past government vote in favor of the proposal, which was authored by MK Zevulun Orlev (National Union – NRP) and Estherina Tartman (Yisrael Beitenu). MK Tartman hailed the vote: "Finally we see the Knesset reflecting what the majority in Israel longs for. With this bill we begin the process of regaining our self respect and fortitude as a nation and as a people."

MK’s Mohammad Barakeh and Dov Khenin (Hadash – Democratic Front for Peace and Equality – Communist Party of Israel) slammed the bill as inherently racist. "The appalling surge of racist bills being approved by the Knesset has reached a new apex with the passing of this proposal with the coalition’s blessing", they charged.