MK Michael Ben-Ari (file)
MK Michael Ben-Ari (file)Israel news photo: Flash 90

Coalition Chairman Ze'ev Elkin informed MK Michael Ben-Ari (National Union) Wednesday that he intends to appoint him as a member in the parliamentary committee of investigation looking into the sources of funding for NGOs. Ben-Ari, who is seen by leftists as the most right-wing member of the current Knesset, said that he was pleased with the nomination.

"The MKs from Balad and Ra'am-Ta'al know that I will deal with them as I promised to," he stated. "I will be as fair to the leftists and Arabs as [Supreme Court President] Dorit Beinisch and the 'Rule-of-Law Gang' are toward the settlers who fall into their hands. I will act transparently, fairly and objectively but I will not forget for one moment that my goal is to protect the state of Israel from all kinds of haters from within and without who want to destroy it. It is too bad that some elements choose to boycott the committee; yet threats, pressure and bans will not influence us."
 
"Let us hope that, together with all of the other members of the committee, I will lead to a determined and uncompromising position in the name of the rule of law and the Jewish character of the state of Israel," he said.
 
According to the Srugim website, Ben-Ari's appointment to the committee may have been the result of a misunderstanding by Elkin. When Arab MKs sarcastically suggested that Ben-Ari, who is considered a proud follower of the late Rabbi Meir Kahane, be appointed to the committee, Elkin took their words at face value. On the other hand, Elkin, who is considered an intelligent politician,  may well have known the Arabs were being sarcastic - and decided to take their advice anyways.