Knesset delegation head Merav Ben Ari of Yesh Atid and fellow lawmaker Boaz Bismuth of Likud joined a political committee debate by video on an initiative to expel Israel from the Council of Europe. The push, led by about 20 parliamentarians from the Netherlands, Belgium, Turkey and other countries, cites the humanitarian situation in Gaza, alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights, and Israel’s newly approved death penalty law.
Ben Ari said expelling Israel would be “a prize for Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah,” which she said started a war against Israel and seek its destruction. She added that such a move would not advance peace in the region, and urged the committee not to take rash action while Israel is heading toward elections, calling it interference in the affairs of the Middle East’s only democracy.
Bismuth said the attempt was aimed at Israel “only because it is defending itself.” He said Israel respects international law, treats Palestinian children in its hospitals, and brings tons of food, medicine and equipment into Gaza every day. He called the initiative “hypocrisy.”
During the session, the lawmakers pushed back against harsh claims from European parliamentarians that Israel is an apartheid state, has killed tens of thousands of Palestinian children during the war, may impose the death penalty on minors, and tortures Palestinian detainees under 18. This was the first debate on the matter. The committee is now expected to submit a report with recommendations to the plenary assembly, which should meet in several months and vote on whether to expel Israel.
