Ethics panel pans Ben-Ari for saying ‘Leftists, go to Gaza’
01/09/2013 23:41
The Knesset Ethics Committee has 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 on Tuesday, the Ethics
Committee expressed disapproval of Ben-Ari’s words at a protest on November 15,
in which he said: “Leftists away,” “Leftists, go to Gaza” and “Leftists 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 said. “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 a minister by law.