Herzog Lambasted for Considering Tibi for Knesset Defense Committee

In a gaffe that could be costly to his political ambitions, Isaac Herzog said on Wednesday that he does “not rule out” allowing MK Ahmed Tibi (United Arab List) to sit on the Knesset’s highly sensitive Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Arutz Sheva reported.

The remark triggered scorn and derision from right-wing MKs, who view Tibi, a former adviser to Yasser Araft and a vociferous supporter of Israel’s enemies, as a security threat himself.

“Buji [Herzog’s nickname] has gone crazy, appointing Ahmed Tibi to the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee,” said MK Miri Regev (Likud). “Seriously? It is Herzog who endangers the security of Israel, despite attempts by some officers to scare the Israeli public against Netanyahu. Only Netanyahu will safeguard the nation’s security and the public knows this well, in its heart of hearts.”

MK Moti Yogev (Jewish Home) called on Herzog to recant. “Herzog’s agreement to Ahmed Tibi’s membership in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, which stems from his desire to receive the support of the Arabs, expresses irresponsibility and abandon.

“This position of his makes it clear to the entire Israeli public that we must not place trust in him or see him, G-d forbid, as prime minister.”

This article appeared in print on page 6 of the March 12th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.