A group of self-styted intellectuals and artists want MK David Rotem of Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is Our Home) deposed from his position as Chair of the Knesset’s Law, Constitution and Justice Committee because of his support for Rav Dov Lior. Rotem does not seem particularly worried about the intellectuals’ position.
The attack on Rotem follows a letter to Justice Minister Yaakov Ne’eman signed by him and 24 other MKs in which they express “shock” at the arrest of Rav Lior “as if he were the basest criminal, only for his opinions.”
The 25 MKs demanded the dissolution of the team within the Justice Ministry headed by Shai Nitzan, who they say hounds Jewish residents of Judea and Samaria..
Rotem said that the signatories on the letter against him are “a bunch of politicians who hide under the mantles of intellectuals and artists.” The intellectuals defined the letter by the 25 MKs as “inciting against Shai Nitzan.”
Rotem said that unlike others in the nationalist camp he does not believe Shai Nitzan is a bad man but one who does the job assigned to him. However, the special task force headed by Nitzan – which targets Jewish settlemet activity – is not necessary, he explained. Therefore there is no need for Nitzan's position either, Rotem said. He denied that saying this constitutes incitement.
He called the signatories of the letter against him "funny people."