A controversial bill that outlaws the display of “enemy flags” (i.e., Palestinian flag) at state-funded institutions and universities passed a preliminary vote in the Knesset on Wednesday. While it was passed with 63 in favor and 16 against, the bill must pass three additional Knesset votes to become law, which isn’t expected to happen soon.

A Palestinian flag is removed from a building after being put up by a group that promote peace between Palestinians and Israelis, in Ramat Gan, June 1, 2022 (Photo: Mehazkim)

Far-right Prime Minister Naftali Bennett voted for the bill – which was from Likud MK Eli Cohen of the far-right opposition Likud party – while lawmakers from the opposition Joint List and Meretz in the coalition opposed it. In addition, coalition’s Islamist Ra’am party voted against the bill, while members of Yesh Atid and Labor were absent.

During a fierce debate preceding the vote, Eli Cohen, a member of the opposition Likud party who sponsored the bill, shouted at Balad MK Sami Abu Shehadeh, a member of the Joint List that he should “go to Gaza or Jordan”.

Before the vote, Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman tweeted, “In our state there is only room for one flag – the flag of Israel.” In response, the Joint List’s chairman MK Ayman Odeh (Hadash) said, “You’re acting just like any colonialist, any thief. You’re afraid of the flag, you deny the Nakba.” MK Odeh, told the plenum: “About seven years ago the Knesset banned commemoration of the Nakba Day, and since then more and more people are doing that.” 

Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=30344