Sunday, September 10, 2006

Did Israeli Arab MKs Visit Syria Illegally?

Bar-On called on Mazuz to open an investigation against MKs Jamal Zahalka, Wasil Taha, and Azmi Bishara, all from the Balad party, following their weekend trips to Syria. Bar-On said the three were in violation of the law when they left for Syria without the proper authorization.

"All the requested steps must be taken in order to find justice with the three MKs, and to stop this shameful phenomenon," said Bar-On in the petition.

Assistant to the Attorney-General, Raz Nazeri, sent a letter regarding the matter to head of the police's Branch for Investigation and Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Yohanan Danino.

According to the letter, Zahalka, Taha, and Bishara broke the Infiltration Law by entering an enemy state, Mazuz wrote to the police official. Syria is still technically at war with Israel.

Visiting an enemy nation is a violation of Israeli law.

Interior Security Minister Avi Dichter said he was not surprised at Mazuz's decision, calling the Arab MK's decision to travel to Syria "miserable."

The MKs met with Syrian and Palestinian officials in Damascus on Saturday, in defiance of an Israeli ban on such visits.

During a meeting with members of the leading Ba'ath party, Bishara warned Syria that Israel may attempt a surprise offensive: "Israel could launch a preliminary offensive in more than one place in a bid to overcome the internal crisis in the country and in an attempt to restore its deterrence capability."

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