Arab MKs prevented a Knesset committee from debating today a question of disciplinary action against Arab Knesset Member Ahmed Tibi. The Knesset House Committee was to deal with a request by the Likud Party to take measures against Tibi, in light of the praise that Tibi had for the Jenin terrorists and the strong fight they put up against IDF soldiers. The other Arab MKs shouted and yelled throughout the debate, especially when Likud MK Michael Eitan tried to speak. Finally, Likud MK Ze\'ev Boim walked out in anger - after partially overturning a table - and the Chairman was forced to call off the session. Likud MKs Boim and Eitan held a press conference afterwards to present their view of the incident. \"This is a struggle for the right of Knesset members to engage in parliamentary debate without being interrupted by Arab MKs who don\'t understand what democracy is and don\'t know how to talk and hold a cultured dialogue. Interruptions are allowed, but not an organized campaign to shut mouths and silence others from speaking, as they did today.\"



In a related item the Knesset Ethics Committee decided to sanction Hadash Party MK Issam Makhoul, barring him from three plenum sessions. Several weeks ago, Makhoul shouted \"Heil Sharon\" in the Knesset while making the Nazi salute with his hand directed towards the prime minister.