More than 40 Knesset members have already signed the initiative to oust MK Hanin Zoabi (Joint Arab List) from the Knesset, Israel Radio reported. The rate of collecting signatures has increased in recent days as a result of a unanimous decision by a 9-judge panel of the High Court of Justice in favor of the impeachment law, which allows the dismissal of a serving MK by a special house majority.
MK Oded Forer (Yisrael Beiteinu) who initiated Zoabi’s impeachment has recently enlisted the signatures of MKs in the Likud and Kulanu coalition factions. Coalition members of the Haredi parties are yet to sign, due to their proximity to the Arab MKs on a number of issues.
Zoabi’s impeachment is being sought for her call a few weeks ago to millions of Arabs to move on Jerusalem.
Seventy signatures are required in order to oust an incumbent MK.
The impeachment law, which was passed by the Knesset almost two years ago, allows for the dismissal of an MK who incited to racism or expressed support for an armed struggle against Israel. The signatures of 70 MKs are required to begin the impeachment process, followed by a debate in the House Committee – where a majority of three-quarters of committee members is required to send the impeachment to the plenum for a vote. The final vote, in the plenum, requires a special majority of 90 MKs to support the MK’s dismissal.