Ness ziona: Far-right Israelis physically assaulted Arab lawmaker Ayman Odeh on Saturday in the town of Ness Ziona, just south of Tel Aviv, his office said. Odeh, who heads the Hadash-Ta'al alliance in the Knesset, was on his way to speak at a rally against the war on Gaza when a group of far-right Israelis surrounded his car.

According to Anadolu Agency, the assailants smashed the windows while Odeh was inside, spat at him, cursed him, and hit the vehicle with sticks and stones. Despite the attack, Odeh proceeded to the event and delivered his speech, advocating for an end to the war and a prisoner swap. His office accused Israeli police of standing by and failing to intervene during the assault, which took place in broad daylight.

Though no injuries were reported, the incident has sparked outrage among human rights groups and political allies. The attack occurred just days after a failed Knesset vote to expel Odeh from parliament over a social media post supporting a prisoner exchange with Hamas. In response to the vote, Odeh stated, "I'm staying. This fascist campaign has failed. We will keep fighting for equality, peace, and democracy."

Odeh, one of the most prominent Arab voices inside Israel, has faced increasing threats due to his criticism of the Gaza war. Last month at a rally in Haifa, he declared, "Gaza has won - and Gaza will win." The Israeli army has continued its offensive on the Gaza Strip since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of nearly 59,000 Palestinians, most of whom are women and children.

The ongoing bombardment has devastated the enclave, causing food shortages and the spread of disease. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.