MK Ahmed Tibi: As Deputy Speaker Ill Rule On Merit MK Avigdor Lieberman: Arab MKs Who Support Hamas Should Be Tried & Executed Like Nazi Collaborators In France MK Tibi: Lieberman Is A Racist
Arab Knesset Member, who served as an advisor to Yasser Arafat, has long been in the limelight of Arab-Israeli relations in the Jewish state. Nonetheless, Dr. Tibi has now been elected Deputy-Speaker of Israels parliament, the Knesset. The Knesset House Committee voted in favor of Tibi.
In a surprise vote, Arab Knesset Member Ahmed Tibi, a former advisor to Yasser Arafat has been elected Deputy Speaker of Israels Parliament.
Is it an example of Israeli democracy at work or ludicrous politicking? Dr. Tibi, an outspoken champion of the Palestinian cause against Israel, has often been in the political limelight. Reacting to the surprise appointment, Tibi said: Im happy. Ill do all I can to successfully fullfil the position and all my decisions will be based on the merits of the case. Ahmed Tibi and other Arab Knesset members who met with Hamas officials have triggered a fierce reaction from the far right leader MK Avigdor Lieberman of the Israel, Our Home party. Lieberman has charged that Arab MKs who support should be tried like the French leaders who collaborated with the Nazis and were tried and executed after World War 11. In reaction, Tibi branded Lieberman a racist. First lets hear from MK Lieberman.
(Audio Insert: MK Avigdor Lieberman)
In response, MK Tibi did not pull any punches either.
(Audio Insert: MK Ahmed Tibi)
Several other Arab MKs opposed the selection of Tibi because they wanted the position. However, Coalition chairman Avigdor Yitzhaki of Kadima argued that no personal considerations should count in selecting a deputy Knesset speaker. Former Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin of Likud also spoke of the need to appoint an Arab deputy speaker.
