The Tunisian parliament initiated discussions on Thursday regarding a proposed bill that would classify any attempts to normalize relations with Israel as acts of treason, emphasizing support for the Palestinian cause.
The proposed legislation outlines “normalization” as “recognition of the Zionist entity or the establishment of direct or indirect ties” with Israel, categorizing such actions as “high treason.”
This bill, if adopted, would encompass all forms of interaction with Israelis, extending to “events, demonstrations, meetings, exhibitions, and competitions,” across a wide range of contexts such as political, economic, scientific, cultural, artistic, or sporting, whether within territories held or occupied by Israel.
Individuals engaging in such “normalization” could face severe consequences, including potential bans from the International Olympic Committee for Tunisian athletes hoping to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, or even criminal charges within Tunisia.
The penalties for individuals found guilty of “normalization” would include prison terms of 6 to 10 years and fines of up to 100,000 Tunisian dinars (approximately $31,553). Repeat offenders might face life imprisonment.
Tunisian parliament speaker Ibrahim Bouderbala emphasized a unanimous commitment to this matter, stating, “There is total agreement between the president, the parliament, and public opinion.” He further stressed the objective of liberating Palestine entirely and establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
In a previous statement, President Kais Saied declared that it was Tunisia’s duty to support the Palestinian people and labeled anyone engaging in normalization with Israel as a “traitor.”
Tunisia’s legislative developments coincide with Israeli military operations in Gaza, where troops have divided the region as part of measures against the Hamas militant group, responsible for the October 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis. Meanwhile, local Palestinian authorities estimate the Gaza death toll at around 9,000 as of Thursday.
It is noteworthy that Tunisia has never officially recognized the state of Israel. While the two countries established “interest offices” in the late 1990s, diplomatic relations were severed once more in 2000, primarily due to the Second Intifada, a Palestinian uprising.
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