Knesset speaker disqualifies Tibi bill on Nakba denial

Bill submitted to Knesset proposes to revoke state funding for NGOs that deny Nakba; Benny Begin: Bill tries to prove Israel born out of injustice.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Tibi making a point in Knesset 311 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Tibi making a point in Knesset 311
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin and his deputies on Monday rejected for Knesset discussion a bill submitted by MK Ahmed Tibi (United Arab List) proposing to revoke state funding for public NGOs and organizations who do not recognize the Nakba.
The Knesset Speaker is authorized to refuse the discussion of a bill in the Knesset if is racist or denies the existence of the Sate of Israel.
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The Knesset's legal adviser, Eyal Yinon, decided in an unusual move not to take a stand on the disqualification or approval of the bill, and left the decision to Rivlin and his deputies.
Earlier, Rivlin expressed doubt over whether it was legal to disqualify Tibi's bill, but said the bill is an act of provocation against the state.
Likud Minister without Portfolio Benny Begin said in response to Tibi's bill that marking Nakba Day on May 15 is designed to try to prove that the Jewish state was born out of injustice, and that this should be corrected by changing the basic nature of the state.
Israel Beiteinu MK Alex Miller also commented on the bill, saying, "This proposal is just another attempt to undermine the right of the State of Israel to exist as a Jewish and democratic state."
He added, "I am requesting that the bill be rejected immediately and that foolish attempts by MK Tibi to harm Israel's sovereignty be prevented."