At the last moment, The Movement party leader Justice Minister Tzipi Livni on Wednesday 4 Kislev blocked the preliminary reading of the so-called Zoabi Bill. In response, Likud MK Danny Danon told Livni �you defend the soton�.

The bill is the initiative of MK (Yisrael Beitenu) David Rotem, stating that a simple majority of 61 MKs may vote to oust a colleague who openly supports a terrorist organization�s efforts against the state. The bill is aimed at MK Hanin Zoabi, hence the bill�s name, in response to the Arab MK�s many statements in support of Hamas and Israel�s enemies.

Moments before the bill was to be presented for its preliminary reading Livni filed an objection with the Knesset Secretary, resulting in the vote being delayed. Officially, Livni�s objection was a procedural issue. She explains her opposition is that she fears if one MK has the authority to oust another the Knesset will become a tribunal. �I hate Zoabi�s words and what she represents and would be pleased to see not get elected in the next elections, but I remain opposed to a bill that permits MKs to oust their peers. It is a dangerous concept. Today it is her and tomorrow another� she concluded.

Rotem was angered over the move but remains determined to push his bill forward. MK Danon accused Livni of being the �soton�s attorney�. Responding to Danon�s remarks, officials in Livni�s office added �He is pressured but it won�t help him in the Likud primaries�.

Livni pulled her objection to the bill on Thursday 5 Kislev after Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told her if she does not do so, he will present the bill to the cabinet where its passage is guaranteed.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)