The Strategic Threats

Bill banning those who visit enemy states from Knesset duty approved

The Knesset passed a bill on Monday determining that any Israeli citizen who visits enemy territory without a proper permit will not be able to serve in the Knesset for seven years.

The bill was initiated by MKs Zevulun Orlev (National Union-NRP) and Esterina Tartman (Yisrael Beiteinu), following the affair of MK Azmi Bishara (National Democratic Assembly). The bill was approved by a majority of 52 to 24 MKs. Among those opposed were Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz and Education Minister Yuli Tamir.

According to the amendment to the basic law, those who visited an enemy country unlawfully within the seven years prior to the final date for the submission of the list of candidates for the Knesset will be deemed "supporters of the armed struggle against the State of Israel, so long as they have not been proven otherwise." Thus, they will not be eligible for candidacy.

MK Tartman said following the bill's approval, "From now on the citizens of Israel can relax – enemies will no longer sit in the house of legislation. As in any democratic and enlightened state, those who ignore the State's security laws will know that they are denying themselves the right to be elected for office in the Knesset. This law will retrieve some of our trampled respect as a people, and give us a reason to stand tall."