Despite vocal opposition from Arab Knesset members, Itzik said, the Knesset would vote immediately after the Id al-Fitr holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. However, out of respect for Muslims, the vote would take place late in the evening.
MK Dov Khenin (Hadash) lashed out at Itzik for the decision, saying that "
holding this vote on Id al-Fitr is the equivalent of holding it on a Jewish holiday like Simhat Torah or Rosh Hashana. It's a disgrace and disrespectful to Muslims, especially since it is Lieberman, who has been so disrespectful to Muslims, who is being voted in." Khenin added that despite his party's opposition, he and other Hadash members would be present for vote.Tibi said the vote was a sign of the new anti-Muslim and racist line the government was taking.