Edelstein threatens to scrub Cameron’s Knesset visit if opposition won’t behave

 

Knesset speaker Yuli Edelstein demands in meeting with opposition leaders, that they do not ‘disrespect the Knesset and the government’ during the UK’s prime minister’s visit.


 

 

UK Prime Minister David Cameron may not address the Knesset as scheduled on Wednesday, if Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein cannot ensure that opposition MKs will behave appropriately and not cause a diplomatic incident.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron - Photo: Reuters

Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron – Photo: Reuters

In a meeting with opposition party leaders, Edelstein said “I demand that you do not sabotage Cameron’s visit. As long as you protest in a political framework, it is acceptable, but some things are untenable. This is a visit by a state leader.”

MK Shaul Mofaz (Kadima) suggested that, in exchange for not disrupting Cameron’s address, the coalition should vote down one of his bills.

Edelstein responded that “I tried to do everything for you [the opposition] in the last two days. Don’t disrespect the Knesset and the government.”

Opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Labor) said that some MKs are threatening to interrupt Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s speech, so it’s better for the whole opposition to walk out when Netanyahu takes the stand.

The Knesset Speaker’s office is preparing for the worst, explaining that canceling Cameron’s speech is “the most extreme scenario, but it’s possible. We hope we don’t get to that point.”

Herzog’s spokesman said “Cameron’s dignity will be preserved no matter what.”

Labor faction chairman Eitan Cabel tweeted to Walla reporter Omri Nachmias: “The pressure is unnecessary. No provocation will hurt Cameron.”

However, Cabel did not answer questions as to whether opposition MKs plan to listen to the UK premier’s address and then walk out on Netanyahu while Cameron is present.

 

View original Jerusalem Post publication at: http://www.jpost.com/Diplomacy-and-Politics/Edelstein-preparing-to-cancel-Cameron-Knesset-visit-in-light-of-opposition-boycott-345000