Rothman Boasts That the Coalition Had a Very Successful Term, Sparks Outrage at Bereaved Families Hearing

Against bereaved families: Rothman said the coalition’s term was “wonderful” • MK Meirav Cohen lashed out: “This is disconnect” Dafna Liel, N12 Published: 10.06.26, 11:10

In brief: Meirav Svirsky, whose parents were murdered on October 7 and whose brother Itay was abducted and murdered in captivity, shouted: “Someone is paying the price for your conduct.” Rothman demanded that Meirav, the bereaved daughter and sister, be removed from the discussion. One of those present attacked the chair of the Constitution Committee: “How many hostages are needed for a wonderful term.”

Knesset Constitution Committee Chair MK Simcha Rothman caused an uproar this morning, Wednesday, when he said that “the coalition had a very successful term, wonderful.” Opposition MKs Meirav Cohen and Karin Elharrar were enraged: “Disconnect.” Rothman boasted about the coalition’s performance in the presence of bereaved families.

Meirav Svirsky, whose parents were murdered on October 7 and whose brother was abducted and murdered in Hamas captivity, responded to the committee chair: “I think this is the time for you to hear the people who were hurt by the conduct of your government. It is easy to speak high and mighty in arrogance and smugness, but there are those paying the price.”

“We are here so that, in front of your eyes, you will see the price of your conduct. You sit there smug and arrogant,” Svirsky said angrily. While the bereaved daughter and sister was speaking, Rothman repeatedly demanded that she stop talking and asked to have her removed from the discussion.

MK Cohen intervened: “For Meirav’s brother, it was not such a successful term.” One of those present shouted at Rothman: “How many hostages are needed for a wonderful term.” After the uproar at the scene, Rothman recessed the discussion.

Before the uproar, Rothman told opposition members on the committee that if they believed they would win the election, they would support splitting the attorney general’s role. In Rothman’s circle, it is clarified that his remarks referred to his term on the Constitution Committee, unrelated to the broader events.