Arab members of Israeli Knesset, Ahmad Tibi and Talab El Sane’ were held Monday by the Israeli army while on their way to participate in the Fateh general conference in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. The two MK’s received invitations from the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas.
MK El Sane’ said that the army treated them like terrorists, and that they were held by border guard officers for more than an hour.
The army eventually released the two members of Knesset who entered the Palestinian territories in a vehicle specially sent by Abbas.
The two legislators said that they received an authorization from the Israeli Army Central Command Chief, Maj-Gen Gadi Shamni, to go to Bethlehem.
The officers at the roadblock later on stated that they would allow them to cross into Bethlehem under the condition that their vehicle would be inspected when they return to Israel.
Tibi said that they had to wait for an hour, and after the Central Command of the army allowed them to enter the soldiers still refused to allow them through and delayed them for thirty minutes.
He also said that the delay happened although Knesset speaker, Reuven Rivlin, intervened to allow them through.
Tibi slammed the soldiers and said that this was an attempt to revoke their immunity as members of Knesset.
On his part, MK Al Sane’ said that the incident was embarrassing, since MK’s had to stand surrounded by soldiers and security officers, while foreign diplomats and ambassadors just passed through without any obstacle.
Al Sane’ added that this act is a violation to the immunity of Mk’s and that the soldiers treated them as if they were trying to smuggle bombs.
The Arab MK stated that this conference is very important as it also includes several dignitaries from around the world, as it is very critical to the peace process... Full story
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