Arab lawmaker dies from heart attack in Israel

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) – An Arab Israeli lawmaker died from a heart attack in southern Israel on Wednesday, according to a statement by his party.

Said al-Harumi, 49, from Ra’am Party, was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack but he was pronounced dead, local media outlets reported.

"May God have mercy on Said and guide him in peace. We extend our condolences to Said's family and the people of the Negev," the party said in a statement.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, along with other Israeli officials, mourned him and offered their condolences to his family and community.

Al-Harumi represents the Bedouin community in the Negev area in southern Israel. He served as the head of the Knesset's Interior and Environmental Protection Committee.

Before being elected to the Knesset, al-Harumi was an active member in the Islamic movement in southern Israel.

Al-Harumi is expected to be replaced in the Knesset (Israel’s parliament) by Iman Khatib-Yasin, a former lawmaker who became the first hijab-clad member in the Israeli Knesset.