Ethics C'tee pans Ben-Ari for 'Lefties go to Gaza' comments
01/09/2013 12:20
The Knesset Ethics Committee criticized MK Michael Ben-Ari (Strong Israel) for making inciting comments directed at left-wing protesters during Operation Pillar of Defense.
In a decision released Tuesday, the Ethics Committee expressed disapproval of Ben-Ari's words at a protest on November 15, 2012, in which he said: "Lefties away," "Lefties go to Gaza" and "Lefties are traitors."
"The committee thinks that the line has been crossed between a legitimate statement, even if it is difficult and outrageous, and words of incitement," the committee stated. "These are not within the borders of the broad, free political speech that is given to MKs and do not fit the standards of behavior that is expected from a lawmaker, who committed to behaving appropriately."
Earlier this week, the Ethics Committee docked former foreign minister Avigdor Liberman four days' salary, because he missed 22 Knesset meetings, which is four more than allowed to a minister by law.