A controversial bill that would allow MKs to be suspended for “unbefitting behavior” passed the first reading in the Israeli Knesset on Monday with a vote of 59 for and 53 against.
The law would allow 90 MKs to vote to suspend lawmakers if they “negate the existence of the State of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state”, incite racism or express support for a terror group or state in its war against the occupation.
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Many of the bill’s critics claim it targets Arab MKs.
The measure must still pass two more Knesset readings.
Backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the bill was proposed after three Palestinian MKs made a condolence visit to the families of Palestinian assailants killed by Israeli forces during the violence in Jerusalem.
Speaking before the vote, Netanyahu said: “I expect all those who say they are in favour of the bill to vote in support and to not give an advantage or profit to those who support terror.”
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