Former senior Jewish and Arab politicians have signed, Wednesday, July 9, a letter calling to stop the removal of Hadash MK Ayman Odeh claiming that his removal would set a dangerous precedent that could lead to further removals of Knesset members based on political views. “You do not need to agree with MK Odeh to oppose his removal,” the letter read, arguing that Odeh’s removal would set a “dangerous precedent that crossed a red line, allowing for the removal of any lawmaker based on beliefs, positions, and ways of life.”
MK Ayman Odeh during a debate at the Knesset plenum (Photo: Haim Goldberg / Flash 90)
“The removal of MK Odeh is a direct and tangible threat to the democratic space and all public arenas,” and the signatories called on current Knesset members to show courage and take responsibility against “dangerous populism.” “For Members of Knesset, there can be no hesitation or compromise here, because the future of democracy is truly in your hands,” the letter concluded
Among the prominent signatories are former president and former Knesset speaker Reuven (Ruby) Rivlin, former prime ministers Ehud Olmert and Ehud Barak, former Knesset speaker Avraham Burg and a series of former ministers, including Dan Meridor, Izhar Shay, Roni Bar-On, Eitan Cabel, Haim Ramon, Ophir Pines, Abraham Poraz, Moshe Ya’alon, Avi Nissenkorn, Matan Vilnai, Nachman Shai, Yuli Tamir, Yossi Beilin, Ephraim Sneh, Nitzan Horowitz, Yael German; Haim Oron, Raleb Majadele, Salah Tarif, Omer Barlev, Uzi Baram, Amram Mitzna, Ran Cohen, Raanan Cohen, Tzipi Livni, Roni Baron, Issawi Frej, Tamar Zandberg, Shimon Shetreet and Orit Noked. The letter was also signed by more than 100 former Knesset members, among them Dov Khenin, former Labor party chairwomen Shelly Yachimovich, former Meretz party chair Zehava Galon, Ofer Shelach, Gacy Laski, Mossi Raz, Yael Cohen Paran, Stav Shafir, Mohammed Barakeh, chairman of the High Follow-up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel and Balad party chair, Sami Abu Shehadeh.
In addition, Benny Begin, son of Menachem Begin, scientist & former Likud minister and Knesset member, rails with incandescent anger at unspeakable legislators voting to impeach Ayman Odeh. In a post published on Wednesday evening at Facebook, the prominent right-wing politician is revolted by a racist, illegitimate bill Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has vowed to sustain. “The opposition must prevent ugly exercise”, he wrote.
Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32812
