The Strategic Threats

'Bishara Law' passes first reading

Even if he were to return to Israel tomorrow and be acquitted of the allegations against him, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that former MK Azmi Bishara would be able to run for Knesset ever again, thanks to a law that passed its first reading in the Knesset plenum Tuesday.

"Finally the Knesset said what the majority of the Israeli public has been waiting for. With this law, we are beginning a process of returning self-respect to the nation and to the state," said MK Estherina Tartman (Israel Beytenu) after the first reading passed successfully.

The so-called Bishara Law, which would disqualify any candidate who has visited an enemy state without permission from being elected to the Knesset, passed its first plenum test by a vote of 63-16, with three abstentions.

The bill, sponsored by MKs Estherina Tartman and Zevulun Orlev (NU/NRP), is actually an amendment to Basic Law: The Knesset, and as such, required a 61-vote majority in order to pass its first reading.

"A visit by a political figure to an enemy state has only one possible interpretation: support for an enemy state, support for the armed struggle against Israel and support for terror organizations," said Orlev.

"This bill is intended to ensure the loyalty of MKs toward the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state," explained Orlev.