Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir, informed MK Ahmad Tibi this morning (Wednesday) that he rejected his request to visit the Palestinians who were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the clashes in Burqa village, where a Palestinian was fatally shot and a Jewish individual was seriously injured. Ben Gvir's refusal comes despite approving for Knesset members Tzvi Succot and Tali Gottlieb to meet with the Jewish suspect after his arrest.
In the letter sent to Tibi, Ben Gvir stated that "any communication from Knesset members and ministers to the Police Commissioner should be conducted through my office, in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of National Security. In response to their inquiry, the police's position is as follows: after an examination before the investigation supervisor, it is determined that meeting with any of the detainees should not be allowed."
Following the refusal, Tibi strongly criticized Ben Gvir, saying that "they are simply urinating from off the springboard." He claimed, "Two types of Knesset members have emerged: Jewish members with immunity and rights, and Arab Knesset members without." He added, "This is another proof that we now have a Commissioner who is manipulated by a racist minister."
In response, Ben Gvir clarified in a tweet he posted on Twitter that he "does not intend to apologize. MK Tibi will not be able to visit criminals during an ongoing investigation. This is the decision of the investigation supervisor, and I fully support his decision."