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Controversial bill threatens Israel's Arab MKs with suspension

The Knesset is getting closer to passing the proposed suspension bill, which some fear would allow Arab members to be suspended over loosely defined violations.
Israeli Arab lawmakers from the Joint Arab List (from L to R) Osama Saadi, Ahmed Tibi, Ayman Odeh, Masud Ganaim and Haneen Zoabi stand in front of the Dome of the Rock during a visit to the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City July 28, 2015. REUTERS/Ammar Awad  - RTX1M321
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RAMALLAH, West Bank — The Knesset ratified the first reading of Israel's suspension bill, which allows the suspension of Knesset members and targets Arab lawmakers on charges of committing treason or supporting any terror or hostility toward Israel. Lawmakers voted 59-53 in favor of the bill March 28.

On March 29, Shin Bet head and former Likud Knesset member Avi Dichter attacked the head of the Arab List, Ayman Odeh, threatening that he might end up like Hamas leaders Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz Rantisi, assassinated by Israel in 2004.

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