PMO to Balad: We will thwart anti-Israel activity even if legal

i think you need to take a long objective look at israeli policy and history before you make any negative comments about the united states, buckaroo.

It is all too easy to join the pack of Israel bashers and apply a yardstick that older democracies, such as the UK and the USA fail to comply with themselves. You must also remember that Israel has been in a state of siege and on a war footing since its foundation, which can explain most of the violations of civil iberties that have occurred hitherto. What worries me now is an attempt by the present government to breach the Rule of Law, which represents a fundamental marker of an accountable government.

I'm sure the residents of Israeli controlled Palestine would not think of themselves as living in a democracy. Isn't one of the features of a democracy one person-one vote? When will the 4 million residents of Palestine whose daily lives are controlled by Israel get to vote for their rulers? Are they being denied this opportunity due to their religion?

same values,too,they treat their women like second class citizens and keep the poor uneducated so they are easier to manipulate and fooled.you got some nerve coming here and talking about values when all the middle eastern countries treat their own people with no respect,exactly like you plas do.what do you know about values,except that of violence and terror.keep shooting your mouth off about america and israel,but don't come begging for our money moron,you got that??you idiots in pal land think you can sh-t on the entire world,then you low lifes start begging for money.don't you have an ounce of pride arab,wouldn't you like your kids to see you actually work for a living instead of letting them see you beg for money?you kidnap or try to kill everyone thats comes to help you but instead of showing some form of appreciation,you talk trash about their values,or try to steal ranson money from them when you kidnap them!you know,like the bbc journalist and the un official.lmfao!

Dear Fairplay, You posting was very clear and succinct. I think Paul Harris should be able to follow your logic, though he is not having one of his better days today. From your comments, it would appear that you believe Israel is moving away from being a constitutional democracy through its abuse of the rule of law, as is suggested will happen by this statement from the PM?s Office. Would you not agree with those like myself who would claim that Israel has not been a constitutional democracy for a number of years now, and that the PMO statement is just another step away from the democratic ideals it abandoned ages ago?

Paul Harris shows confusion on an essential point of Constitutional Law. He is talking about CHANGING the law. What I was indicating is that ALL properly constituted Democratic countries operate the Rule of Law. What this means is that citizens operating within the existing legal framework have their rights to do so protected. At any time, legislators can agree to change laws by majority vote. However what the PMO's Office is now stating is that Balad is not entirely free to operate within the existing laws of the State of Israel. This would clearly violate the Rule of Law and cause Israel to deviate in a fundamental way from a Constitutional Democracy.

Normally the Shin Bet is ordered secretly. Why were the instructions given in public? The PM wants to brand the Israeli Arabs efforts for equal rights as subversive. The PM understands that the legitimitate efforts by the Israeli Arabs for equal rights, employement opportunities, education, same rights to property anywhere within Israel, etc. is a threat to the status quo: a) if demands rejected, it would expose that Israel is not a state for all its citizens, in other words not a true democracy (thereby confirming what Jimmy Carter already said). b) if accepted, it would change the Jewish Character of the state Even if the Israeli Arab democratic actions are entirely legal, the fact that Shin Bet is combating them will have them falsely perceived as an enemy within and that's where the PM is heading at: avoiding the choice (see above) by publicly demonizing the Israeli Arabs in order to shut them up. The PM is playing foul to both, Israeli Arabs and Israeli Jews!

Dear Bubba, You?re right. Why would a military theocracy such as Israel tolerate dissent? Only modern secular democracies do that. You are right. In a militant theocracy, the judiciary should not defend the rights of man. The supreme court ayatollahs are there to defend the integrity of the Holy Book. Who needs a constitution when G-d talks through the scriptures? You are absolutely right. In a theocracy anyone who attacks the word of G-D is a heretic and must be excommunicated. As G-d?s chosen people, anything anti-Jewish is therefore heretical and must be punished. Burn them at the stake, I say.

Let's not get carried away. While I disagree with specific policies, Israel's rooted in western democratic traditions. If this were not so, we would not have this discussion, but because it so, there is hope for the future. Sadly, the same cannot currently be said about Israel's neighbors. Their appeal to democratic rights seem to come only when it is convenient, and not as a matter of deeply held principle.

The Israeli government has traditionally thwarted pro-Israel activity that doesn't fall within the current ruling coalition's narrow political views when legal - why would people be surprised by the fact that they intend to do the same with anti-Israel activity? Abuse of power - perfidy - is the rule of the day in the modern state of Israel, which can only be narrowly defined as a democracy.

So, you still think that President Carter is wrong when he says that Israel is an Apartheit state? Not long ago, the world had an Apartheit state. Remember? Now, they have a black president. Think about this.

ILLUSIONS OF TIME ARAB INVASIONS OF ISRAEL 1948 1967 1973 TERRORIST ACTIVITY FROM 1920 ONWARDS RIGHT UP TILL TODAY COLIN TAKE A COLD SHOWER !! HITLER ALSO WANTED "LEBENSRAUM FOR DER DEUTSCHE VOLK " SOUND FAMILIAR

IN ENGLAND YOU HAVE 3 TIERS OF COURTS AND THE EU BEFORE ANYTHING IS LEGAL. DEMOCRACY IS NOT ABOUT LEGAL BECAUSE IT IS AN ABSTRACT. IT IS A NOMINAL STATE WHERE THE PUBLIC VOTES FOR A TEMPORARY POLITICAL DICTATORSHIP

without state interference. This is precisely what differentiates a democracy from a police state. Which one of the two does Israel choose to be?

"israeli democracy vs arabs/palestinians in so-called israel like the american democracy vs native indians. both don`t only share illegitimacy of structure and existence but of behavior and morality" Oh no. Indians clearly received 'the right of return' about seventy years ago (run a search on 'Standing Bear,' I think). We don't restrict the political rights of our Indians at all. There are certainly no restrictive covenants preventing them from buying land. Without checking, I'm quite sure the government spends more rather than less per capita on their health care and education. We certainly don't threaten to deport them. NOBODY would treat a national group like Israel treats its Arabs. I mean, lets not get into offensive comparisons here. Just try killing an American Indian. You won't get off with a reduced charge and a wink and a nod. It'll be murder.

"...Arab and Muslim countries [.] have continuously sought it’s destruction. The vast Muslim lands were largely ethnically cleansed by those same Muslim’s, after 60 years of continuous warfare and terrorism it is clear that it is simply not possible to grant these Arabs democratic rights. We, tried, endlessly seeking peace, and have failed miserably. This is a war for survival, it is sad and harsh, but with the exception of the Druze and some Bedouin, Muslim Arabs must be deported from Israel. This is forced by their own behavior." What a vicious fantasy -- and from start to finish. It rang a bell, though. You know? Reminded me of something. Ah yes...that Nazi propaganda film I was watching last night. Full of stuff about Germany's efforts to make peace from 1935 through 1940. 'We, tried, endlessly seeking peace...' Well, there you go. No more Mr Nice Guy. Put your foot down.

So US Citizen believes Americans support Israel because they see similarities in values. What similarity does he see with the treatment of Palestinians: perhaps segregation until the 1960's or the reservationisation of American Indians in the 1800s as their land was gradually stolen, or disregard for international law. What about the differences: at least Israel has only invaded other countries when it very existence was theatened. Israel's security is far more precarious That the USA. The USA needs far less of an excuse to invade other countries.

those americans who would agree with you have been "hoodwinked"...just as you have. that is IF you're an american. either way though...more and more americans are being exposed to the truth thanks to the emergence of reliable news sources that have no agenda. in other words...the big three are slowly being usurped by others who aren't so apt to control what the american public is told. what you claim is no longer overwhelmingly true as it once was...and the trend will continue as more and more people have access to news sources other than the three major networks. even they have started to let facts filter through... times are changing...lol... and for the better... p.s.-and when you're done looking up the meaning of 'hoodwinked'...look up "pipe dream".

israeli democracy vs arabs/palestinians in so-called israel like the american democracy vs native indians. both don't only share illegitimacy of structure and existence but of behavior and morality

democracy &fridom hawe limit when is coming to security of state

Right now, the Arabs in Israel have rights, freedoms and a living standard that is far better than the majority of Arabs living under Arab rule. Israel is a tiny country surrounded by vast and populous Arab and Muslim countries who have continuously sought it’s destruction. The vast Muslim lands were largely ethnically cleansed by those same Muslim’s, after 60 years of continuous warfare and terrorism it is clear that it is simply not possible to grant these Arabs democratic rights. We, tried, endlessly seeking peace, and have failed miserably. This is a war for survival, it is sad and harsh, but with the exception of the Druze and some Bedouin, Muslim Arabs must be deported from Israel. This is forced by their own behavior.

The US is a multi-cultural and muti-religious society. Of course, there are more Christians thatn any other religion by a wide margin. A small percentage of Americans are Jews, but a large number of Americans of all stripes agree with them. The Jews of America do NOT control anyone but themselves. A majority of Americans support Isreal because they see similar values in both America and Israel. In particular, they see civiization of the 21st century in Israel and they wish to support it. Somehow the Arabs, may of whom still seem stuck in the 8th or 9th century, don't yet get it, but I believe they will in time.

That is what this country started out as. And now we have the Jewish nation within a nation doing everything to control it for themselves as usual. AIPAC dominates the ruling class. That is not the USA it is all about Israel. If jews thing they can get away with this than we Americans should be able to get rid of AIPAC and Jinsa and ADL and JWC ect ect..

Diskin would be forced to resign if he was in an enlightened country. Only in Israel do those in power feel such a sense of entitlement to so abuse the public. Well, actually that is true of many totalitarian states.

What does Jewish Character of the state mean? If it's about Jewish traditions then it is upon the Jews themselves to follow them (or not) and that isn't a responsibility of the state. If Jewish Character of the state means to preseve a Jewish rule/majority then how can Israel still have a democratic character and be a state for ALL its citizens?!

"When it insists on upholding the "Jewish" character of the state by closing down democratic debate amongst non-Jews." [Josh] Very wise answer! Still, Shin Bet may target you now since your response doesn't seem to be compatible with the Jewish Character of the state :)

It just dawned on me that 'Jewish Character' has so many meanings. At once, my Jewish friends are the kindest, most generous, and industrious people. Yet, other are pushy, rude, and self-centered. As a child I was told by my Quaker grandmother that in order to be a 'good Christian', I must first become a 'good Jew'! Her answer to my further questions is that the Ten Commandments are the basis for Western Civilization. Since all three Mosiac religions significantly and routinely violate the Ten Commandants, it would be interesting to know exacting what Olmert's concept to 'Jewish Character' really is.

Shin Bet falls under their very own definition about a group that is trying to harm the democratic character of Israel since they want to combat those that use legal means to debate the character of Israel. Well, Shin Bet, you have to go after yourself now!

I call for a peace that's genuine to exist between the brotherhoods in every culture.Grown men settle their differences talking it out and making a compromise. To be able to compromise one must be unselfish.Love your neighbors as you would love yourselves and want for your brothers what you want for yourselves.Freedom is what it is, so enjoy life and be happy for goodness sake.

What exactly is legal subversive activity? The PMO should do a head check before he makes moronic comments like that. All statements like that do is embolden Israel's enemies while alienating her friends. Furthermore they are uneforceable as Israel IS a democracy.

You raise a valid point. Not in my name. Who needs an Israel with 'Jewish character' when it's Jews like you who run the show. Comparing Israel to the Nazis? Congratulations, you can now say to Bishara and Tibi: "I have surpassed thee!"

The action of certain Israeli-Arab organizations raises questions of the legality of their actions - but for the PMO to threaten action, even if the actions are legal - is unconscionable in a democracy. Maybe certain laws need to be revised, but not ignored. Olmert is a clear liability to Israel and must be replaced...

When it insists on upholding the "Jewish" character of the state by closing down democratic debate amongst non-Jews.

GO NOW RONI THE LESS OF YOUR KIND THE BETTER YOU SPEW BS and that means you are capable of the type of incitement we are against.

I would not want to Israel set 50 years back, then Gaza and the West Bank would be full of hostile bloodthirsty Arab hell bent on our extinction. Wait, OK, who is the wise guy who set us fifty years back?

The blatant support so many Israeli Arabs give to the Pan Islamic Genocide Should Be Illegal. They admit they support terrorists, admit they want every Jew in the region to die, elect MKs who meet with terrorists and advocate for them. These Acts Should Not Be Treated As Legal. They should be made illegal and then, Israel Arabs who continue to commit these crimes could have their citizenship stripped without violating the only law that matters in Israel, Israeli Law. Legal Activity Can Be Combated Legally.

Democracy is a mean only, not the final goal of anything. And it exists only to allow to sustain a state (the State of Israel, in our contents) in a manageable and prosperious level. Nobody really needs democracy, when there is no state to implement this democracy, so by no way a democratic process should become a threat to the state existance!

This is a giant step backwards for Israel. Either it is a democracy or it is not. While it would be ridiculous to say the Israel is becoming a racist country like Nazi Germany, it is unfortunately taking a step in that direction.

cough, cough..........

It looks like the clock started ticking for a new ethnic cleansing operation. Once I realize that this has started, I am out of this country and for good. This is what the nazis did to my grandfather! It is a shame. All we understand is killing, discriminating, occupying, torturing. What is left? Stop these criminals now! Not in my name!

Perhaps this OFFICIAL STATEMENT from the office of the Prime Minister will remove any doubt from the minds of those who still believe that Israel is not moving rapidly down the path to becoming a fascist police state. Will it reach the point that for an Arab merely to breathe within the borders of Israel is somehow seen as a threat to the Jewish character of Israel because it would possibly deprive some Jewish person of oxygen?

to know the context in which the statements were made. While we all want to protect free speech, remember that allowing free speech does not also allow shouting "Fire" in a crowded theater. Clearly, some of the actions and writings of some Arab MKs have been at least marginally inciteful. If the seemingly objectionable comments were made in relation to such actions and/or publications, they might be viewed somewhat differently even by some of the posters here.

Trying to preserve the "jewishness" of the state is no different than the discarded miscegenation laws in the US and S. Africa.

Are you currently writing from Paris? Is that in France? Do you consider France a Western democracy? Has not there been some disturbance in France about not allowing students to wear clothing or accessories specific to certain religions or ethnic groups? Is not that prohibiting some kind of anti-government (France) activity?

itself by whatever means necessary. You in America are doing the same, using illegal means like torture. So why are you upset? Besides, we have the same enemy, the Arabs and Muslims.

MARK , WHERE DID YOU GET THIS GEM FROM ?? LAWS ARE OFTEN CHANGED BY PEOPLE BREAKING THE LAW. THEY ARE NOT CRIMINALS BUT PROGRESSIVES. THE LAWS OF NAZI GERMANY WERE LEGAL BUT LATER PROVED TO BE ILLEGAL AS SO MANY ARE AS SHARIA LAW FOR M USLIMS .

.... bomb is exploded in supermarket of Kfar Saba when your children are there, would it coincide with your definition of legality-illegality? When ARAB-TERRORISTS are eager to murder Jews, and your countrymen (including children and women) are killed by suicide bombers, it is strange that violent protest against the FENCE you call "Legal political activity by Israeli Arabs". Are you a self-hating Jew?

Yet another example of Israeli hypocrisy... Where are all the rabid zionists in support of this policy? What will happen when the gov't decides that all settlers (or any other fringe group) are subversive to national interests? Are you all going to blindly support the law then or are you only in support when you think it targets Israeli ARABS? One final question to all the ultra patriotic Israelis...what exactly makes your govt any different from the surrounding tyrannies? Increasingly that line is being blurred and all you can do is cheer in a frenzy of patriotism and zenophobia...kind of like the rabble (Arabs) you so often like to criticize.

now I know the meaning of YELLOW ROSE dingbat laws are ther to protect those who write them how would you feel if I wrote an article in the Houston Herald that all American Indians should stand up, arm and overthrow the Texan juresdiction and take bacl its lands? would you consider it an excercise of freedom of speech? I WOULD!! but in our case we ARE the INDIANS and we came back and took back what was ours!!!

Yes there is Mark.He wants to turn lebanon into Poland so he can invade like the germans did in 39 and turn beruit into the warsaw ghetto to help bush plan a new crusade against iran with the backing of AIPAC.Hows that?

PEACE WILL BE MAINTAINED ONLY IF THERE ARE JEWS WITH A "PIECE" AND AS LONG AS THE JEWS CANNOT LIVE IN ARAB NATION,START A NEWSPAPER AND WRITE FREELY, NEITHER SHOULD ISRAELI ARABS LIVING WITH THE MOST FREEDOM OF ANY ARABS IN THE WORLD, HAVE THE RIGHT TO PRINT INCITEFUL MATERIAL WITHIN THE BORDERS OF OUR GREAT,YOUNG AND GROWING NATION.

Perhaps this OFFICIAL STATEMENT from the office of the Prime Minister will remove any doubt from the minds of those who still believe that Israel is not moving rapidly down the path to becoming a fascist police state. Will it reach the point that for an Arab merely to breathe within the borders of Israel is somehow seen as a threat to the Jewish character of Israel because it possibly deprives some Jewish person of oxygen?

I don't get it... am I missing something here? No where in this article does it say what the documents are calling for. Why the hysteria? If the 'Al wajud Asayuni' - the Zionist Entity - wasn't so insecure with it's position in the ME, then this probably wouldn't be such a big deal. The only democracy in the ME? Give me a break.

Jimmy Carter was right? Is that what you think? Maybe the real threat in Israel is not after all the Israeli Arabs but far Left Jewish subversives from within. What, are you going to accuse me of being anti-Semitic now?

Diskin served as deputy company commander of Sayeret Shaked. Is this an example of more "ruah shaked" (spirit of shaked)? As a former shakednick, I am embarrassed!

What's the meaning of laws if they you don't know what they mean? In non-democratic states, it doesn't really matter what's on the books, all that matters is at the pleasure of the rulers. Olmert is not losing his mind, he's just playing to the extreme right, which is one reason why Israel cannot, and will not, pursue a policy of peace. It's politics is heavily influenced by those who want an apartheid state.

What is so democratic about thwarting activities that are considered lawful?

Folks who oppose legal activities with illegal means are called criminals. The Prime Minister of Israel has announced he wishes to be known as a criminal. Is there no depth of depravity Olmert does not seek?

As long as you say what we tell you to.

You say (If you try advocating the destruction of the country anywhere else in the world you are deported or put in jail. Why should we be any different? ) There are many in Scotland and wales who openly advocate the brake up of Britain Similar groups exist within France , Italy and Spain. These advocates of the brake up of the country whose citizenship they hold are neither sent to Jail nor (deported ). Where a Scot be deported to ? I think the word (deported) was a Freudian slip As you were only thinking of Israeli Arabs at the time.

With such foolish statements, I'm afraid that even Ahmadinejad receives now more popularity points in Israel than Olmert.

Forget about legal anti-israel activity and let's talk about illegal traitorous activity. The 'tour' of Syria and Lebanon by Arab MKs was illegal. But the celebration with Hezbollah for Hezbollah's 'victory' over Israel is clearly treason. Yet, these MKs returned to Israel and took their seats in the Knesset juat as Arab nations after the 1948, 1967 and 1973 wars returned to the UN and claimly took their seats as if nothing happened. The UN I can understand due to its profoundly anti-israel hatred but Israel itself? And what about Arab MKs taking positions in arafat's PA? Is that not a conflict of interest to Israel's security? Stop making threats about legal activity and do something about the illegal traitor Arab MKs.

The problem is many Arabs have a different opinion on how the state should be run. Maybe we should pass a law that makes a different opinion illegal (or better any non-Jewish opinion to preserve the Jewish character...).

Illegal outpost of Jews are handled with kid gloves as if legal. Legal political activity by Israeli Arabs is confronted by Shin Bet as if illegal. Peace or Arpartheid?

Double Speak. Are Israelis familiar with the novel "1984"? By definition, repressing lawful, democratic activity is not a democratic thing to do. To do so "in defense of democracy," and expecting people to agree with that logic, I think is an insult to the intellengence of the citizens of the State. By the way, ALL tyrianies begin with the justification of protecting the people.

...to know exactly what the quoted statement means. Yes, it sounds shocking and Orwellian, but with no context it is also pretty much indefinable. It needs more explanation. If it is as it sounds then needs to be eliminated, if it has a reasonable explanation (for example the closure of legal businesses fronting and funding illegal activity) then that needs to be made more clear.

Anyone who tries to destroy the Jewish or Democratic character of the Jewish state should be punished. There should be no need to work outside the law as the law should be supporting such behavior. It's common sense. If you try advocating the destruction of the country anywhere else in the world you are deported or put in jail. Why should we be any different?

... and scaring no one but Jews. Incidentally, I live in the US. Were the Muslims to pull that kind of *&*& here, there's be no letters, admissions, written warnings: the matter would be handled. Olmert loves to talk tough, but he shoots Israel in the foot and does jack.

Before one could generalize that Israel is democratic with its subjects while being autocratic with the other subjects. Today's document is a tangible proof that of this inconsistency is finally being eliminated. Both Israelis and not now can be subjected to the authority which is outside the law. It is indeed an historical day. I'm really cherishing hope that some PMO secretary made a practical joke to compensate her firing.

headline: ISRAELI PM OFFICIALLY DENIES EXISTENCE OF PALESTINE, ARABS WITH ISRAELI CITIZENSHIP

"Israel has to do whatever neccessary to make sure they do not succeed." 'We have met the enemy and he is us.' What you and others like you fail to realize is that it is not the Arabs who will destroy Israel, but you yourselves, as you increasingly turn that state into something that few will willingly support. It is noticeable that increasingly, almost all the posts in support of Israel are either from fanatics or the hopelessly ignorant. To put it differently, the situation is developing where no one who is both informed and less than unreservedly devoted either to race-war against Arabs or to the proposition that truth inheres in the Old Testament and only the Old Testament will support Israel.

If there will be an Arab majority in Israel I just hope that they won't discriminate us the way we currently do. Advocating equal citizen rights is important as we may depend ourselves on it one day.

"Why, in G-d`s name, would anti-Israel activity not be illegal!." - Bubba You confuse 'Israel' with 'democracy'. Israel is a single material entity that can be democratic, monarchic, despotic and whatever not. Democracy's defined in generic definitions applicable anywhere. Everywhere citizens have different oppinions on what/who is bad for their country. In all democracies any persecution of the partisans of one or another opinion concerning what's good/bad for the country is illegal. Throughout the history the monopolization of power by "I-know-better-that-our-country-what-is-good-for-our-country" have always finished by the abolition of democratic laws standing on the way. I really hope this horrible document testifies more of educational immaturity of certain top-officials of a young democracy, rather than cutting down the young stem of this democracy. The document in effect says: "The Gvnt reserves illegal means preventing legal actions of the subjects of this country".

Is it the same as anti Soviet activity? Just curious.

Echoes of Soviet Union repression. Maybe you let too many Soviet jews in. Louis

"The Shin Bet security service will thwart the activity of any group or individual seeking to harm the Jewish and democratic character of the State of Israel, even if such activity is sanctioned by the law," Israel is not a Western state.

When is democracy not democracy? It is a good thing minds cannot be read........!!!!

Conflicting views in the political arena is proper in any society, as well it should be. But such a statement, coming from the PMO?s office and the Shin Bet is worrisome in that it sets new parameters to what is, and is not, legitimate discourse, especially in light of the fact that Israel?s intelligence agencies have the power and willingness to carry on such a heavyhanded campaign through both ?legal? and extra-legal means. The level of authoritarianism implied by Diskin and Olmert bodes ill for the vary institute they claim to defend ? the democratic state of Israel - and leads one to pause and reflect on the true nature of this country.

"...combat the activity of any group or individual seeking to harm Israel's "Jewish or democratic character," even if that activity was carried out through legal means." That makes any Arab couple whose number of children is above the Jewish average, subject to interrogation by the Shin Bet apartheid service.

I believe that this is one of the worst days of Israel! We need to stop this madness immediately. This will set us 50 years back and bring ireversable damage to Israel! This will be the worst war we can ever launch! Israeli arab citizen need equality and justice and we cannot fool with this anymore! Equality and Justice is what they are aiming at, no more no less! Isn't it a ligitimate right in the 21st century! Wake up Israel!

The demographics of Israel do not allow political correctness to be part of the landscape. There ARE, without doubt, Arabs in Israel bent on Israel's destruction under the guise of conducting business in a "legal manner." Israel has to do whatever neccessary to make sure they do not succeed.

LOL.... get off yr leftwing BS and start thinking like a realist. If there ever were more Arabs than Jews within the green line then Israel would become the same failure as the rest of the arab world and the Jews would end up being slaughtered. And that includes the lefties. Ronen....wake up!

.The national security of Israel is more important then the individual rights. And most of the Arab in Israel are the fifth column.

destruction. lets not be stupid

Obviously, Israel can not imitate any of its neighbors' democratic models, because it has no democratic neighbors. The nearest democratic state is Turkey. Israel is plotting a new course through uncharted areas in multiculturalism. As for the definition of subversion, that, like 'incitement' has always depended on the definitions of the current government. That is why Meir Kahane was kicked out of the Knesset for 'incitement' while Ahmed Tibi remains in the Knesset despite his own, just as bad or worse, incitement. That is how Arab MKs could go to Syria despite there being a law on the books prohibiting that. Israel must adopt an objective standard of 'treason' or 'subversion,' and 'incitement,' and make them just as illegal for both Israel's Arabs and Jews. And it must follow up with legal steps to stop such activities by anyone, and it must be consistent.

In respect to the "democratic character" it is the PMO who does the harm. What next? Birth control and preventing Arabs from voting to preserve the Jewish character (at the expense of the democratic character!)? Jimmy Carter was right.

Why, in G-d's name, would anti-Israel activity not be illegal!. How and why do we insist on electing governments and/or supporting a judiciary that allows individuals or groups to promote, or otherwise support anti-Israeli or anti-Jewish activity, yet condemn and persecute groups whose entire raison d`etre is the protection of those institutions. Why o' why do we insist on our right to commit suicide by political correctness. We need to find, with G-d's direction and help, the courage to return to sanity.

...And all israelis should be against any measures taken to censure legal discussions and discourse. This government has to go

Is there an equivalent to the Patriot Act on the statute books in Israel? Or will those suspected of(subversion) even if using legal means through the democratic process be (Dealt with ) outside the law ? Is there a legal definition of (Subversive activities) in Israel? Or will this be left to the government of the day to decide? Which of its neighbours (Democratic) model is Israel seeking to emulate ?