Freij: Amona Residents 'Criminals'

Jerusalem, 16 November, 2016 (TPS) -- Meretz MK Issawi Freij called Amona residents “criminals” Wednesday, as opposition MKs went on a frenzied attack against the Legalization Bill, which passed an initial Knesset reading earlier in the day.

Freij singled out Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon for criticism, saying the leader of the Kulanu Party has “no backbone” and saying the government does not have the right priorities.

“Instead of helping hundreds of thousands of elderly Israelis without nursing care insurance, [the government] concentrate(s) on efforts to help 30 criminals,” Freij said.

Opposition Leader and Zionist Union MK Isaac Herzog also criticized the bill, saying the measure would create a complicated situation for both Israel and the IDF.

“This is a nightmarish law for the Knesset,” Herzog said. “This is the first time the Knesset has voted for a bill in direct opposition to constitutional law and international law.

Predictably, supporters of the settlement movement praised the measure. MK Bezalel Smotrich (Jewish Home) said “Today we have taken a step in the right direction.The legalization law will pass four readings over the next month, and will play an important part in the normalization process in Judea and Samaria. The legalization of Judea and Samaria will proceed, and will take into account the need to respect the court.”

A committee of Amona residents added, “Today the Israeli government and the Knesset have made a significant step on the way to leaving Amona in tact and normalizing all settlements in Judea and Samaria. (The Knesset) has decided today with a clear majority that Amona needs to stay in its place, and we expect and believe that the court will respect this democratic decision made by the people of Israel and their elected officials..

“We will continue working until the sword hanging over our head is lifted,” the residents said.