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Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Israel's democracy robbers seek to silence Palestinian opponents
For those of you who are not familiar with the Palestinian member of the Knesset Ayman Odeh, he is a rare combination of a thinker, a passionate politician and an extremely affable person. He can also be sharp-tongued and unsparing of rivals from his opinions, including his fellow Palestinian citizens of Israel, but especially those among Israeli society whose idea of coexistence is of Jewish supremacy on either side of the Green Line. Above all, he is a man of peace and great integrity who believes in Israeli-Palestinian coexistence as equals, of which a two-state solution is a key element. Odeh has rattled the political system to the extent that a right-wing Likud MK, Avichai Boaron, initiated his impeachment for writing on X in January that 'I am happy about the release of the hostages and the prisoners. We must now free both peoples from the burden of occupation. Because we were all born free.' Not a sentiment that was particularly harsh, and surely not an incitement to violence. It is difficult to know whether this was a case of an anonymous member of parliament trying to get some attention or whether, as Boaron claimed, Odeh was equating the hostages with Palestinian 'terrorists' and if the call to free people from 'the burden of occupation' constituted a legitimization and call for violence. Obviously, mentioning both the hostages and the prisoners in the same sentence does not mean equating them, and in any case there is nothing illegal about that. Worse, one MK who fails to understand the difference between calling to end the occupation and calling to do that by using force is unfortunate. But for 70 MKs, of whom at least 10 are from the opposition, as the law requires, to sign a petition asking the Knesset House Committee to open impeachment proceedings is a collective eclipse of democratic judgment. And in the Orwellian atmosphere of today's Israeli politics, the Knesset House Committee decided, while brushing aside the recommendation of the Knesset's legal adviser to the contrary — for lack of legal grounds to justify such an extreme step — to advance the impeachment of Odeh to a vote in the Knesset plenum, citing his 'support for the armed struggle of a terrorist organization against the state of Israel.' Although not part of the original accusations against the leader of Hadash, his cause was not helped by his own recent statement at a rally that 'Gaza won and Gaza will win.' This was more a case of simply hoping that the people of the Strip would prevail despite the mass killings and devastation inflicted on them for many months, and the attempts to force Gaza's residents into to a tiny part of the territory and then possibly out of it, and for good — not for them to militarily defeat Israel. The only reason Odeh is still an MK is that 90 MKs are required to support this bluntly antidemocratic measure and 'only' 73 out of 120 supported this shameful motion in a vote in the Knesset. The very fact there was such a big majority in favor of expelling a lawmaker for expressing his views — which admittedly many might find offensive but do not meet the criteria of inciting to violence or endangering the country's security — is more a testimony to the sorry state of Israeli democracy than Odeh's alleged threat to the state. And it is especially in times of war that the pluralism of ideas should be maintained and minorities should not be excluded from expressing their ideas. After all, many of the Palestinian citizens of Israel have relatives in Gaza, of whom thousands have been killed in the war. However, the story is not only about Odeh, but also his detractors questioning the legitimacy of the entire Palestinian population of Israel, who are citizens and, in principle, enjoy equal rights to their Jewish fellow countrymen, although reality is very different. It would be naive to harbor any expectations that the current members of Israel's governing coalition would respect democratic procedures if they did not suit them. For nearly three years, they have repeatedly demonstrated a destructive mixture of utter ignorance of the very fundamentals of a liberal democracy and sheer contempt for them. However, the fact that several so-called more liberal-minded members of Yair Lapid's Yesh Atid party supported the motion to impeach Odeh — while Lapid and the rest of his party's MKs, along with those of Benny Gantz's Blue and White-National Unity party, boycotted the vote — is beyond disappointing and concerning. With the exception of the left-wing Democrats led by Yair Golan, who voted against impeaching Odeh, the other Zionist parties' behavior illustrates that, for them, championing freedoms does not extend to the Palestinian citizens of Israel, exemplifying the constant retreat of Israeli democracy from the Israeli Declaration of Independence. In the middle of a truly existential war, its founding fathers included a commitment that the country 'will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture.' The founding fathers understood that there is no partial democracy; it either applies equally to everyone, or it is not a liberal democracy. It is especially in times of war that the pluralism of ideas should be maintained and minorities should not be excluded. Yossi Mekelberg And there is also the tragic irony, or just the shamelessness, that many of those who voted to oust Odeh for supporting political violence nevertheless encourage the use of unabated violence against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Among them are settlers who illegally live in the West Bank, a minister of national security who was convicted of supporting a terrorist organization, and those who repeatedly say that there are no innocent people in Gaza, support starving and expelling them and, given an opportunity, would do exactly the same in the West Bank too. Yet, no one even suggests reprimanding them, let alone impeaching them, because their discourse has been normalized and legitimized over recent years. Also normalized is the exclusion of parties that represent the Palestinians citizens of Israel, preventing them from serving in government as legitimate partners. Odeh was not impeached. However, this saga has left the bitter taste of a country whose lawmakers persecute their political opponents and especially target a minority through very dubious legal procedures. In Odeh's case, the Knesset's blushes were spared, but only thanks to the wisdom of yesteryear's legislatures, which set the bar very high for ousting an MK. But this is hardly any consolation. As long as Benjamin Netanyahu and his democracy robbers hold on to power, it is just a matter of time before they seek to water down this too in order to eliminate their political rivals.
Al Bawaba
6 days ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Druze leader denies involvement in revenge attacks as Israeli-backed militias seize control in Suwayda
Published July 17th, 2025 - 03:30 GMT In a video statement coinciding with a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al-Hijri emphasized the Druze community's commitment to coexistence and rejected collective blame. ALBAWABA- Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the Israel-backed Druze spiritual leader in Suwayda, has publicly denied that his armed followers committed retaliatory acts against Bedouin tribes following the withdrawal of Syrian government forces from the governorate. Also Read Israel strikes near Damascus palace amid Druze protection pledge In a video statement coinciding with a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Al-Hijri emphasized the Druze community's commitment to coexistence and rejected collective blame. ⚡️🇮🇱BREAKING: Israel's PM Netanyahu vows to never allow the militarization of Southern Syria:'I want to update you on what we have done in Syria—and what we will do in Syria. We established a clear policy: the demilitarization of the area south of Damascus—from the Golan to… — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) July 17, 2025 'Despite the painful attacks our community has suffered, we continue to uphold the values of tolerance,' Al-Hijri stated. 'Anyone committing acts of sabotage or provocation represents no one but himself. We reject sectarianism and any call for fragmentation.' ⚡️🇸🇾JUST IN: Israel-backed Druze militias under Hikmat al-Hijri killed Bedouin civilians, including women and children, looted homes, and forced many to flee after the Syrian army withdrew from Suwaida. — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) July 17, 2025 His remarks follow widespread reports and video footage circulating on social media that show members of Bedouin tribes fleeing Suwayda amid claims of targeted violence by armed Druze factions. These events come after Syrian forces pulled out of the region as part of a local ceasefire agreement reached in Yestrday between Suwayda community leaders and state officials. The deal granted local forces authority over internal security in the province. Following the withdrawal, Druze fighters aligned with Al-Hijri reportedly took control of key areas in Suwayda. They raised the Druze flag, bearing the Star of David, a symbol increasingly used by pro-Israel Druze militias, over the governorate building, declaring their rejection of any renewed Syrian military presence south of Damascus. According to local sources, initial reports indicate that armed militias affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri have carried out field executions resulting in the deaths of approximately 100 Bedouin tribespeople, including women and children. As-Suwayda, SyriaThursday, July 17, 2025 On July 17, 2025, disturbing reports emerged from As-Suwayda, Syria, alleging that militias affiliated with Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze leader, committed severe human rights violations 👇#السويداء #HekmatAlHajriMilitiaMassacre — Roba Alhakiem (@RAlhakiem) July 17, 2025 'What the regime did was send troops to kill our Druze brothers,' Al-Hijri said in his speech. 'So I instructed our forces to retaliate. The ceasefire came through force, not through negotiations.' Israeli support for Al-Hijri's forces appears to have intensified in last few days. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly provided air cover for Druze militias, targeting Syrian military convoys and blocking reinforcements near and inside Suwayda. Over the last 48 hours, IDF airstrikes have hit Syrian armored vehicles and convoys, while also targeting the gate of the Syrian military headquarters in Damascus in what sources describe as a 'warning shot.' Also Read Israeli forces strike Syrian tanks amid clashes in Suwayda Analysts describe the conflict as a key test for Ahmad Al-Shara's leadership, as Syrian forces face mounting casualties and growing regional pressure. Military analysts suggest Israel may escalate its air campaign further, potentially targeting government institutions, military headquarters, and launching selective assassinations against key regime figures, while continuing to back proxy militias on the ground. Reports of Bedouin families fleeing Suwayda toward Daraa have raised alarms over what some are calling an emerging ethnic cleansing campaign, as retaliatory violence intensifies. Despite the denial from Al-Hijri, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, with the fragile ceasefire hanging by a thread, and Suwayda increasingly becoming the epicenter of a regional showdown between Syrian forces and Israeli-backed militias. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
South China Morning Post
16-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
China family holds funeral as Indian neighbours host wedding in joint act of communal harmony
A Chinese funeral and an Indian wedding took place on the same street on the same day in Malaysia, but the two families managed to coexist and show mutual respect, winning applause online. Both ceremonies took place on July 5 in Tampin, in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan. The funeral was that of the mother of a local Democratic Action Party politician of Chinese origin. Good neighbours: The two families live on opposite sides of the same street. Photo: China Press On the other side of the street, an Indian family rented a hall to host a wedding. Funerals are usually considered ominous and a jinx on new couples. Meanwhile, the happy vibes of a wedding are often believed not to be suitable for the solemnity of funerals. However, the politician, surnamed Wong, was more worried about his neighbour's big day, the Malaysian news outlet China Press reported.
Fox News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
'Squad' members 'decide to lie and twist facts' about Israel's history, says prominent Arab activist
Members of the "Squad" are undermining coexistence between Arabs and Jews in the Middle East, Israeli-Arab activist Yoseph Haddad told Fox News Digital. "Representatives of the Squad are trying to harm the coexistence and partnership that exist in the region between Arabs and Jews," Haddad said. "I think it was [Alexandria] Ocasio-Cortez herself who said she had no idea about the geopolitics of this region—she's right. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib know exactly what's going on here, but they decide to lie and twist the facts." Haddad, the CEO of Together Vouch for Each Other — an organization founded in 2018 by young Israeli Arabs to bridge cultural and religious divides — has emerged as a prominent voice in Israel's public diplomacy efforts following Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 massacre. Since the attack, Jewish communities across the United States and Europe have faced a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents, with pro-Hamas demonstrations appearing on college campuses as early as October 8. "The first group is what I call the useful idiots — people who have no idea what's going on but joined because it felt like the cool thing to do," Haddad said. "Then there are the paid protesters. You see the same faces at different rallies holding different signs — sometimes it's about LGBTQ issues, sometimes it's pro-Palestinian, sometimes it's about internal American problems." "It's always the same person, just a different outfit and a different sign," he continued. "And the third group — the most dangerous—are the extremists who've come from the Middle East. Those are the ones we should be most concerned about." Haddad traced the rise of extremist voices in the West to waves of immigration and population displacement from conflict zones in the Middle East. While the majority of Muslim immigrants fled persecution in search of a better life, he said, a vocal minority brought with them the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, effectively holding their communities hostage. "When you have so many immigrants all around the world, it's enough for 10 or 20 percent of them to be extremists — and suddenly, you're dealing with millions of extremists," he said. "Ostriches, when there is a danger and there is a problem, what they do is they stick their head in the sand thinking the problem will just pass because nobody will notice them," he added. "And this is what the weak governments are doing right now, becoming like an ostrich. The only problem is that no one will skip them over, it will make it easier to chop their heads off." Addressing accusations that Israel enforces an apartheid system between Jews and Arabs, Haddad rejected the comparison outright. "In real apartheid, like in South Africa, everything was segregated — transportation, hospitals, courts, sports, even walking on the sidewalks," Haddad said. "But if you actually come to Israel and see life here, it's the complete opposite — 180 degrees different." "Stop speaking from a place of emotion — that's exactly what The Squad is doing," he continued. "Start talking about facts. Then you'll realize that anyone who concludes Israel is an apartheid state is an imbecile." He also mentioned a run-in he had with a protester, who he refers to as "the useful idiots." They have no clue … One time, I read the charter of Hamas to some pro-Palestinian useful idiot, I read it to them, and I said you agree to this, and they said no, no, no I didn't know that. And I said yes, but this is what you are supporting, and he had the headband of Hamas on his head. You understand that this is what you are supporting. "He literally took the band off after that. Such useful idiots like this you have a lot, not just in the United States, you can see it in Europe as well." When asked what he believes the Palestinians ultimately want, Haddad pointed to slogans often heard at anti-Israel and antisemitic protests, such as "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" and "There is only one solution: Intifada revolution." "The majority of Palestinians do not want to live side by side with Israel," Haddad said. "So when people talk about a two-state solution and question Israel's commitment, I say: Don't ask the Israelis — ask the Palestinians. You'll be shocked to find that many of them aren't willing to accept it." Haddad pointed out that history can be approached in multiple ways — through religious texts like the Torah for Jews, the Bible for Christians and the Quran for Muslims. Even those who are atheists can look to history books for evidence of the deep-rooted connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. Haddad argued that the Torah explicitly mentions the presence of Jews in Israel, tracing their presence back thousands of years. He also highlighted the Biblical reference to the birthplace of Jesus in Jewish Bethlehem, challenging the notion that Palestinian Muslims have a historical claim to the land before the Jews. Haddad noted that while Jerusalem is never mentioned in the Quran, the term "sons of Israel" appears more than 43 times. He also emphasized that the name "Palestine" was imposed by the Romans as a punishment for the Bar Kokhba revolt. Haddad highlighted that in 1947, Arabs had the opportunity to establish a Palestinian state through the U.N. Partition Plan, which the Jews accepted despite receiving less land and fewer resources. However, the Arabs rejected the plan and opted to wage war. When the Jews emerged victorious, 156,000 Arabs remained within what became Israel. Sharing his personal connection to this history, Haddad explained that his grandfather was one of those Arabs who stayed and eventually became part of the Arab Israeli identity. "It's either you accept the fact that Israel exists and is here to stay, or you continue with this cycle of bloodshed and death that we are trying to escape," said Haddad. "But the ones who will suffer the most are you, the Palestinians, whether in the West Bank or Gaza." Several requests for comment sent to Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Tlaib and Omar were not returned.
South China Morning Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Japan creates new agency to manage foreigner-related issues amid rising tensions
Japan on Tuesday set up an administrative body aimed at easing citizens' concerns over the rapid rise in the number of foreigners in recent years, as policies concerning non-Japanese residents emerge as a key issue in Sunday's national election. The body would serve as a cross-agency 'control tower' to respond to issues such as crime and overtourism involving foreigners, the government said. Headed by Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Wataru Sakata, the office will have 78 employees, including those from the Immigration Services Agency, according to Jiji Press. Japan has long sought to maintain a homogeneous population through strict immigration laws, but has gradually eased them to supplement its shrinking and ageing labour force. The number of foreign nationals hit a record of about 3.8 million last year, although that is still just 3 per cent of the total population. The formation of the administration body comes after a group of lawmakers in Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba 's Liberal Democratic Party in June proposed measures to realise a 'society of orderly and harmonious coexistence with foreign nationals'.
