(IsraelNN.com) Arab Knesset Member Muhammad Barakeh met two weeks ago with Damascus-based Hamas terrorist chief Khaled Mashaal, according to a report in an Arabic newspaper.

The report, published last week in the Israeli Arab Kul al-Arab newspaper, said the meeting was not a chance encounter, but instead involved a serious discussion.

It is against the law for a Member of Knesset to meet with terrorists and/or leaders of terrorist organizations, which are enemy entities.

Barakeh and Mashaal reportedly sat down during a conference in Abu Dhabi on the “Nakba” (“tragedy” in Arabic, the term used by Arabs to refer to the founding of the State of Israel –ed.).

Barakeh, head of the Hadash party, declined to comment on the report.

Orlev Calls for Investigation into Barakeh
National Union/National Religious Party Chairman Zevulun Orlev called Friday for Attorney General Menachem Mazuz to open an investigation into Barakeh’s activities following the report.

“A meeting with the head of the snake, Mashaal, is a blatant show of support for a terror organization and the armed struggle against Israel,” said Orlev.

‘I Will Do All I Need to Achieve Unity’ 
Barakeh has said repeatedly that he is committed to working toward brotherhood with Palestinian Authority Arabs, and has underscored his view that Hamas constitutes an important element of PA society.

He has also been critical of its activities in Gaza, particularly since its takeover of the region a year ago. 

Nonetheless, he told the Nazareth-based Kul al-Arab, “I will do all that I need to achieve this unity, based on the Palestinian principles and on the Arab peace initiative,” in response to questions about whether he had in fact held talks with Mashaal.