[IMRA commentary – Question: If MK A-Sana had advance warning of the “justified” attack would he keep it to himself? The A-Sana remark raises the dual-loyalty (or more appropriately – loyalty to the enemy) in a very sharp way. Time and again it is explained that these MK’s do not reflect the atitude of the rank-and-file Arab Israeli public. We will see over the course of today if other voices from the Arab-Israeli community are heard. The absence of a significant reaction may tell us more, in fact, than the original remark.]

Taleb A-Sana MK (United Arab List) yesterday lavished praise on the terrorist attack at the Tel Aviv Kirya in an interview with Abu Dhabi television.

“This is an attack of special quality,” A-Sana said, “because it was not against civilians but against soldiers in the very heart of Israel. The Israelis have to understand that if there is no security for Palestinians there will not be security for Israelis.” A-Sana added: “There can be no guilt feelings in this case. This is the legitimate struggle par excellence of the Palestinian people.”

Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein intends to look into the Bedouin MK’s remarks to see if there are grounds for an incitement charge. Rubinstein is waiting for the full text of the Abu Dhabi interview before considering the case.

However sources in the Justice Ministry said last night that it is difficult to bring charges for incitement.

The Knesset two months ago failed to approve a law against incitement tabled by the ministry. It is possible, however, that Rubinstein will ask the police to investigate if there is room for charges on the grounds of inciting rebellion or failing to prevent terrorism.

This article ran on August 6, 2001 in Ha’aretz

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