Egyptian MP's membership annulled for hosting Israeli ambassador

The Egyptian parliament dropped the membership of a controversial MP on Wednesday over his recent meeting with the Israeli ambassador, the Egyptian state TV reported.

In late February, the controversial MP and TV host Tawfik Okasha hosted the Israeli ambassador to Cairo, Haim Koren, for dinner at his house in northern Daqahliya province for three hours, a move that sparked widespread criticism in the parliament as the bilateral ties have not normalized despite their long-term 1979 peace treaty.

Okasha later told local media that he did nothing wrong since Egypt enjoyed full diplomatic relations with Israel.

Some parliament members assaulted Okasha after the meeting, verbally and physically, with one of them hitting the controversial MP with his shoe during a recent parliament session.

Okasha has recently complained of being persecuted at the parliament and lashed out at the body as well as Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. The move has brought him condemnation from most of pro-Sisi members.

Egypt was the first Arab state to recognize Israel and sign a U.S.-sponsored peace treaty with the country in 1979. Despite their border security coordination and the diplomatic relations, the general Egyptian attitude is against normalizing ties with Israel. Endit