Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman revoked an entry permit for Palestinian Authority official Muhammad Al-Madani, accusing him of exploiting visits in Israel to try and foster subversion against the state.
According to Liberman, Al-Madani, who is the former governor of Bethlehem, traveled around Israel and tried to set up political parties among Arabs and Jews aimed at subverting the state and creating dissent.
The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and IDF Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, Maj.-Gen. Yoav Mordechai, backed the move, Liberman said. "This is a foreign agent who is trying to set up a political party. It is totally unacceptable," he said.