Knesset Passes 'Dismissal Law,' Angering Opposition MKs

JERUSALEM, Israel – The Knesset passed legislation late Tuesday that would allow impeachment proceedings against any lawmaker who incites hatred or supports an armed struggle against Israel. The bill passed by a vote of 62 to 47.

The dismissal would require 90 out of 120 MKs (75 percent) to vote in favor of dismissing a parliamentarian from the Knesset.

The legislation was proposed last February after Balad MKs Haneen Zoabi, Basel Ghattas and Jamal Zahalka paid a condolence call to Palestinian families whose sons were killed while attacking Israelis.

The three MKs reportedly observed a "moment of silence" honoring the memories of the shahids, or martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for the "resistance."

During the visit, the MKs were asked to lobby the government for the return their family members' bodies, a move Israel takes cautiously as funerals are often used for incitement.

Arab Muslims usually praise family members who are killed during a terror attack. Islam teaches they're transported to Paradise where 72 virgins await them.

Following Tuesday' vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said those who support terrorism will not serve in the Israeli Knesset.

"Tonight we approved the Dismissal Law and put an end to the absurd: Anyone who supports terrorism against Israel and its citizens will not serve in the Israeli Knesset," Netanyahu said. "Like any democracy in the world, Israeli democracy also has the right and obligation to defend itself."

Though the bill requires a lengthy process for impeachment proceedings, Opposition MKs decried the legislation as a stain on Israel's democracy.

In related news, the Knesset amended a law Monday that makes burning the Israeli national flag a criminal offense punishable by a 58,400 shekel (around $15,000) fine or up to a three-year jail sentence.

The law previously called for a 300 shekel (about $80) and a maximum one-year jail term.

In addition, a convicted offender would risk losing government benefits, such as health, social security and even state-sponsored scholarships for up to six years.