The Knesset voted on the 13^th to revoke MK Haneen Zoabi of Balad of three of her privileges.  They are revoking her diplomatic passport, rescinding her privilege to leave the country if she commits a felony and taking away the right of the Knesset to cover any legal fees if she ever faces a trail. 

MK Danny Danon of Likud said, “The decision was a symbolic message that this Knesset sent to the Arab MKs who choose not to support terrorism vocally but actually to take cynical parts in a terrorist attack."  A main part of the controversy was the fact that Zoabi describes herself as a Palestinian, which many Israelis and MK’s find hypocritical of a member of the Israeli Knesset.  The titles of Israeli Knesset Member and Palestinian seem to be contradictory.

Zoabi refutes this statement by stating that, “[the Knesset] has no idea of what democracy is. I represent my views, my party’s views, and the views of all the Arab members of the Knesset.”  Many Israelis were shocked when Zoabi participated in the Gaza-bound flotilla to break the blockade on Hamas-ruled territory.  She saw this event as entirely attributed to Israel’s supposed neglect of it’s own foreign policies.

The statements Zoabi has recently come out with are controversial to say the least.  How can an Israeli MK be so opposed to the actions Israel takes with other nations?  Is it possible to be a powerful political figure in a country whose policies you are strongly opposed to?  According to members of Likud as well as many other MK’s, it is impossible and that is why some of Zoabi’s privileges are being revoked.

To see the video of MK Danny Danon speaking in the Knesset, click here