Ofer Kasif.Photo: vesty.
The Israeli Knesset has made a decision that has been the subject of lively debate in the country and abroad. The parliamentary ethics commission imposed sanctions on MK Ofer Kasif, a member of the Hadash party, in the form of a six-month suspension from Knesset sittings and a two-week suspension of his salary. This decision, which some see as a “capital punishment”, was a reaction to his participation in a petition against Israel in the Hague Court, as reported by TimeUkraineIsrael with reference to Cursorinfo.
Kassif: this is political censorship
Ofer Qassif reacted sharply to the commission’s decision, saying that the punishment was part of political pressure on the opposition, in particular on those who criticise the government. In his commentary, the MP noted that the sanctions were related to his participation in a petition calling for Israel to be held accountable for violating international law. According to him, this step is “political and nationalist censorship” and he is not going to be silent while the “massacre of innocents” in Gaza continues. Qassif also stated that the war crimes charges against the Israeli government are justified.
“My criticism of the occupation, ethnic cleansing and war crimes committed by the Israeli government in Gaza is justified and protected by freedom of political expression,” he said.
The language of disagreement: Lieberman and Kassif
The Knesset’s decision provoked strong reactions from both the opposition and the coalition. Avigdor Lieberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, who favours a tougher line against government critics, expressed support for the sanctions, but said that the punishment should be more severe. “Ofer Qassif’s place is in Ramallah. I support the decision to expel the terrorist supporter from the Knesset, but instead of a temporary ban, we need to make sure that he never steps foot in the Israeli parliament again,” Liberman said.
Political context and public reaction
As an active opponent of the Netanyahu government, Qassif has repeatedly been criticised by right-wing forces. He has sharply criticised the government’s policy towards the Palestinian territories, in particular the operations in Gaza, which he considers to be violations of international law. In particular, in an interview, he described the elimination of Hamas and Hizbullah leaders as a “disgusting violation of international norms”.
The Knesset’s decision to sanction Qassif is part of a broader political struggle in Israel, where tensions are growing between the government and its opponents. This suspension symbolises the struggle for freedom of political expression and the rights of people who oppose the waging of war and human rights violations.
Critics of the authorities believe that this reaction is part of a political persecution of opposition forces aimed at detaining and suppressing the voices of those who openly oppose government policies.
