Last update - 00:00 19/09/2006
IDF: Arab MK barred from Gaza due to personal dangers of such a trip
By Yoav Stern, Haaretz Correspondent
The defense establishment on Tuesday said it had forbidden MK Talab al-Sana from traveling to the Gaza Strip to meet with senior Palestinian officials over the release of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, due to the personal dangers of such a trip.
Defense Minister Amir Peretz on Tuesday told al-Sana, a member of the United Arab List, that he could not make the trip where he was due to meet with officials including Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh.
Al-Sana said in response that Peretz's decision to bar him from entering Gaza was mistaken and unfortunate, as it undermines efforts to secure the release of Shalit, captured by Palestinian militants in June. The MK had met with the abductee's father last week and promised him he would help with efforts to free his son.
This is not the first time that the government in Israel has turned down the request of an MK to visit Gaza to meet with Palestinian leaders.
"The [government's] decision points to a deficient decision making process" al-Sana said Tuesday.
"Israel's government blames the Arab MKs for not using their status to advance the peace process, and yet undermines any political attempt made by them," he said.
Security officials said late on Tuesday that the decision came after consultations with the security establishment, and that they fear for the MK's life should he attempt to go to Gaza.
However, al-Sana said he does not believe the decision to stop him from going into Gaza was motivated by fear for his safety. The MK pointed out that many Israeli reporters have been allowed to enter Gaza in the past few days.
In addition, al-Sana said he was willing to take full responsibility for his safety during his stay in Gaza.