Arab MKs: Islamic Movement ban targets all Arabs in Israel

Arab MKs yesterday expressed their rejection of an Israeli decision of banning the Islamic Movement in Israel, considering it illegal and targeting all Arabs, the Anadolu Agency reported.

They also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exploited the Paris attacks to justify the crackdown on the Islamic Movement in the country.

Anadolu reported Arab MK Masud Ganaim saying: “We consider this decision arbitrary and not only targets the Islamic Movement, but all the Palestinian Arabs inside [Israel] and all the Arab movements and political parties.”

“The message of this decision is that anyone who rejects Israeli violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque or any other fascist and racist Israeli action will be outlawed.”

Meanwhile, MK Ayman Owdeh, head of the Joint Arab List in the Knesset, said: “Netanyahu wants to ignite a religious war in the region, considering Israel part of Europe in its hostility to Islam.”

He also said: “Netanyahu outlawed the Islamic Movement although it has been keeping to the word of the law. If he has any other claim, he should prove it.”

Earlier this week, the Israeli security cabinet outlawed the Islamic Movement in Israel headed by Sheikh Raed Salah, accusing it of inciting violence. The Islamic Movement rejects this claim and challenged the government to prove their claims.