"Don't be elected with Arab votes - the stain will stick to you": bereaved families' appeal to MK Kahana
Nearly 200 bereaved families have sent a letter to MK Matan Kahana, urging him not to seek the position of Knesset Speaker with the support of Arab parties, arguing that these parties refuse to recognize Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations and identify with their actions.
Nearly 200 bereaved families and families of victims of hostilities appealed today (Sunday) to MK Matan Kahana in a letter calling on him not to be elected as Speaker of the Knesset with the votes of the Arab parties. The letter was sent ahead of the expected vote on Tuesday, following the agreement of the heads of the Change Bloc on Kahana's candidacy for the position, replacing Amir Ohana. The families address Kahana against the backdrop of his military service as a fighter, pilot, and reserve officer, and argue that precisely because of his security background, they expect him not to rely on the votes of Arab MKs. The letter states that the Arab parties refuse to recognize Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist organizations, and that some of their members express understanding and support for the actions of terrorist organizations. The families warn that political cooperation with those who do not condemn terrorist organizations carries a grave public and moral message. The vote is set for Tuesday at 4:00 PM, after 67 MKs signed the request, including members of the Joint List and Ra'am.