Netanyahu seeks expulsion of Arab-Israeli Knesset member

By Anees Bargouthi

JERUSALEM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday conferred with the country’s Attorney General to consider the possible expulsion from parliament of Arab-Israeli lawmaker Hanin Zaobi.

Earlier in the day, a clash broke out in the Knesset after Arab-Joint List MK Zoabi labeled as “murderers”, Israeli soldiers who participated in an attack in 2010 against a Turkish aid flotilla headed to the Gaza Strip in an effort to lift an embargo imposed by Israel.

Zoabi went to say that a deal signed earlier this week between Turkey and Israel amounts to a murder confession by Israel.

“I demand an apology to me and to all the political activists who were on the Marmara,” she said, referring to the Mavi Marmara that was attacked in international waters resulting in the deaths of 10 Turkish nationals.

Netanyahu said Zoabi’s actions were unacceptable.

“In her actions and lies she has crossed the red line and has no place in the Knesset,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

Turkey and Israel signed the reconciliation deal Tuesday, aimed at normalizing relations after a six-year hiatus.